In is 1986 and space exploration is in full swing. Gifted 11-year-old Jim and his father, an astrophysicist, move to a new town. There, Jim and his new classmate Ema participate in a young scientists’ competition. Disappointed by his father, who gave up his planned space mission after the death of Jim’s mother, Jim becomes obsessed with the competition and persuades Ema to join his dangerous plan – building a real hot-air balloon.

Olivier Pairoux is director, writer, script doctor, creative and artistic director. He studied directing at IAD. He works as a production designer and artistic director for several Belgian TV channels, as well as an artistic director for major brand campaigns. SpaceBoy is his debut feature.