The Scandalous Adventures of the Flying Dwarf

A tv programme

Directed by

Noémie Rousseau

Produced by

Studiofact Media Group

Leading French distributor

France Télévisions

Production year2025

Programme formatOne-off

GenresDocumentary

Runtime 52 min

Synopsis

Manuel Wackenheim lives in what he calls a «mouse hole,» surrounded by boxes and screens. Most of his time is spent on his avatar, a warrior in Mortal Kombat. Living on welfare, he occasionally visits his mother and often hangs out at the local bar, one of the few places where he feels normal. Diagnosed in childhood with dystrophic osteochondropathy, Manuel stopped growing at 118 cm. He calls himself a dwarf—or «Mister Skyman,» his stage name. Once a star performer as France’s only flying dwarf, he lived his best life under the spotlight, traveling, performing, and basking in fame. But in 1995, his act was banned by the French Council of State in the name of human dignity. This decision marked the start of a long descent into obscurity, where society often relegates those with disabilities. Now, after years of invisibility, Manuel wants to share his story—a fight against the shame of being a sideshow attraction and a call for inclusion. Every day, he battles against the world’s expectations to shrink even smaller than he is.