90 minutes – Documentary
Release date: March 8, 2019 (Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, Toronto)
Production company: 90th Parallel Productions, Groupe Fair-Play, Canesugar Filmworks
Canadian distributor: CBC
U.S. distributor: The Orchard

Invisible Essence: The Little Prince is a feature documentary that examines the legacy of Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s famous novella. First published in 1943 the book has been translated into more than 300 languages and has sold some 140 million copies. It tells the story of an airplane pilot who is left with little food and water after he crashes in the Sahara desert. As he worries about his situation, he’s approached by a young boy, the little prince, who asks him to draw a sheep. Acclaimed Toronto filmmaker Charles Officer (Unarmed Verses) weaves together the French author’s extraordinary life story—from his childhood to his love affair, his friendships to his politics—with fascinating discussions on the magical book, getting at the heart of what has made the book so enduring, so special. The documentary features The New Yorker’s Adam Gopnik, poet Rupi Kaur, members of the St-Exupéry family, and more. Invisible Essence: The Little Prince was first screened at a private event in Toronto on September 13, 2018.