Cannes review: Marie Perennes and Simon Depardon’s documentary “Feminist riposte”

“Sexism is everywhere, even us”. This is just one of the many slogans that have invaded the streets of France in a timely documentary Feminist Resistance (Riposte Féministe) Which is in the special testimonial section in Cannes. Directors Marie Perenes and Simon Depardon follow 10 groups of women from across the country protesting harassment, rape, femicide and the police response to these crimes. “Les Flics” – the cops themselves – is the silent force of this film that makes protests with brutal faces. This applies to young women who vote, recording their dialogue on the cause.

It’s kind of like going to a party at first – some conversations are fascinating, others seem a little repetitive, and you want to move on. But as women’s stories become more serious and personal, the film becomes more influential in emphasizing the urgency of their mission.

After a brief narrative introduction, the filmmakers are silent observers who allow subjects to relax and talk. Sometimes I’m in a bar or on the street; Once they were sitting in a circle at home with various scenes stealing kittens. We don’t give names or formal stories – just an immersive take that introduces you to every city, town or village (reminds you to book a resort vacation). Cinematography is clear and durable, giving it an elegant cinematic vibe.

It is clear that many women, which also include gender minorities and trans or Arab people, are just getting to know each other, meeting for a common reason. This allows them to share the revealed stories.

A young woman slowly describes how her older boyfriend isolated her when she was a minor. She recounts how they took him to another city and threatened him with rape and the death penalty. The older colleague burst into tears and was unable to give an answer. The camera captures the courage, intimacy and embarrassment of this moment. This powerful scene also provides personal context to the messages women paint and paste on walls at night, highlighting the frightening number of femicides in France. Many women have not escaped their abusers and are deeply concerned about the testimony of the murdered girl’s mother.

As with most protest movements, opinions on the best approach can differ. There is talk of violent responses (“hand on the back, punch in the face”) and an alarming cry “Let’s put all the males on the stake!”: “Let’s find solutions” instead of “You’re shit”.

Passers-by often stop to read or comment on their slogans, some sympathetic, others confused, others hostile. The girl urges the group to make “animal sounds”: this is a bullying challenge and a beautiful sight to see.

There are also fascinating humorous moments. During the night mission, a young woman carefully discusses where to put a sign on a residential street and whispers, “I don’t want to tear down your wall, it’s all beautifully plastered.” This thoughtful protester is a good poster girl for that matter. We find solutions, really.