French actress Judith Godrèche attended the conference “In 2024, a woman = a man?” on International Women’s Day at Paris City Hall on March 8, 2024. She has become a prominent figure in the fight against sexual violence in French cinema and is not stopping there in her activism. Godrèche will be presenting a short film on sexual violence on May 15, during the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. The film, titled “Moi aussi,” will be shown at the opening ceremony of the Un Certain Regard section, as well as at the Cinema de la Plage. It aims to shed light on the stories of sexual violence victims and highlight the universality of their experiences.
The seventeen-minute film was created by Godrèche following her powerful speech at the César Awards ceremony on February 23, where she spoke out against the impunity and privilege surrounding sexual violence in the film industry. A month later, on March 23, 2024, Godrèche brought together women and men who shared their traumatic experiences with her, using her talents in writing and filmmaking. She had called for testimonies on Instagram, leading to the collective creation of a work that involves music and dance. Godrèche, 52, recently filed a complaint against directors Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon for rape and sexual and physical violence dating back to her adolescence.
These accusations, which the directors deny, and Godrèche’s advocacy have sparked a new wave of empowerment for victims in the film industry, reminiscent of the #metoo movement that started in Hollywood seven years earlier. The French National Assembly approved the establishment of a commission of inquiry into “abuse and violence” in cinema, audiovisual, live entertainment, fashion, and advertising, in response to Godrèche’s demands. Additionally, a preliminary investigation has been launched in Paris against the two directors. Godrèche’s commitment to addressing sexual violence and her advocacy for victims have had a significant impact on the industry, leading to calls for accountability and change.
Godrèche’s short film “Moi aussi” is a powerful and poignant exploration of the experiences of sexual violence victims, aiming to resonate with audiences and spark conversations about the pervasive nature of such abuse. Through her activism and advocacy, Godrèche has become a leading voice in the fight against sexual violence in the French cinema industry. Her courage in speaking out and her commitment to addressing systemic issues within the industry have inspired others to come forward with their own stories and demand accountability from those in positions of power.
The creation of a commission of inquiry by the French National Assembly is a significant step towards addressing the prevalence of abuse and violence in various sectors, including cinema, highlighting the need for systemic change. Godrèche’s decision to speak out and seek justice for herself and other victims has opened the door for a broader conversation about the culture of silence and complicity that has allowed such behavior to persist. By using her platform and talents to create meaningful and impactful work, Godrèche is contributing to a broader movement towards justice and accountability in the film industry and beyond. As she continues to advocate for change, Godrèche’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of amplifying the voices of survivors and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
