Mayane El Baze, 19 years old, with Down syndrome and actress from Villeurbanne in the Rhône, is starring in Artus’ first film, “Un p’tit truc en plus” filmed in Drôme.
In her room, Mayane has an entire wall covered with photos from her films where she poses with other actors. Among them, the poster for the film “A little something extra” which has just been released. A comedy in which two burglars, played by Arthus and Clovis Cornillac, escape the police by infiltrating a summer camp reserved for people with disabilities.
But don’t talk to him about disability. It is different with precisely one little something extra and head full of projects.
Currently in CAP, tapestry, furniture, decor in Villeurbanne, Mayenne has, just 19 years old, already participated in half a dozen films or series. “I do theater and improvisation, and it also helps me combat my shyness” and it works. “I don’t feel any different. There, I feel like the others“.
His mother confirms. “Three years ago, she didn’t talk to anyone. She was very introverted, but really introverted and more and more she is changing. I think it’s great. The cinema made him change. This film made him change. I’m touched. I am proud of her“. She was seduced by the script.
There is not enough inclusion in France. The film is a message of love and acceptance of disability in all its forms
Sandrine El BazeMom of Mayane, actress with Down syndrome
An inclusion that works in all directions. Sandrine saw her daughter flourish thanks also to the other actors in the film with disabilities. “Mayane followed an ordinary schooling. Meeting people with disabilities other than his own did him good.” she assures us.
During the two months of shooting the film in Drôme, the young woman formed very strong bonds with the entire team. “Mayane is not the image we first have when we imagine someone with a little something extra and so, I wanted that. I wanted this girly side. She’s a seductress. She knows how to take the camera. She knows how to look, she knows how to present a good profile, she knows how to position herself well, she’s an actress” explains Artus with his director’s hat on.
Their first meeting dates from the filming of “Please excuse us for the inconvenience caused.” where the young woman was only a silhouette. We can bet that other projects will see the light of day. Mayane is a member of the “21 dreams” association which aims to promote and encourage any action that contributes to the well-being of people with Down syndrome.
