Are we finally on the verge of seeing the emergence of a French MeToo? The declarations of Judith Godrèche, the Gérard Depardieu affair and the indictment of Patrick Poivre d’Arvor give renewed hope in this direction. But there is still a lot more to do. “If there are long Covids, in France, we have a slow MeeToo,” jokes Cécile Delarue. This journalist plaintiff in the PPDA case made a documentary on Amber Heard. She will present another on France 3 on March 8, The Scandalousabout women who advanced the women’s cause by causing scandal.
“We have never been so close to seeing things happen but we are not there yet,” insists Véronique Le Bris. Also a journalist and author of 100 great films by female directors (published by Arte éditions), she created the Alice Guy Prize in 2018, rewarding a female director. The public can vote until January 31 to nominate your favorite for 2023. But why are things moving so slowly in France when the word seems to be freed?
Referents on the filming and dated ideology
“Many people preferred to say that there was no problem of sexual violence in France,” explains Cécile Delarue. We spoke of seductive men, of Gaulishness. We would say “he’s like that” and that would pass. » This is particularly the case for Gérard Depardieu, whose saucepans, numerous enough to open a hardware store, are not only recent. “The French fear political correctness and cancel culture,” underlines Cécile Delarue. While it is not a question of no longer showing and watching films with Depardieu, but of knowing the context in which they were filmed to prevent certain abuses from recurring. » Referents are now present on the sets to ensure that no inappropriate gestures are tolerated.
“The 50/50 collective, like the CNC bonus to encourage the presence of women on film sets, was beneficial,” insists Véronique Le Bris. Female directors are better considered because their work is no longer judged on the sole fact that they are women. What is missing now is the political will to move things forward. » Emmanuel Macron’s defense of Gérard Depardieu scandalized both women. “We have a young president who defends an outdated ideology,” sighs Cécile Delarue.
A severe backlash
If things are moving forward, the backlash will not be long in coming. “Despite the general mobilization since 2018 which has caused a fundamental movement, feminist associations are seeing a severe “backlash” effect,” notes Véronique Le Bris. Masculinists are making themselves heard more and more on the Internet with dangerous “seduction coaches” who deliver a formidable discourse on the relationships between men and women. “Before, we all met in front of the TV and we could discuss what we had seen,” says Cécile Delarue. Today, people are alone when they get brainwashed on their screens. »
Free speech has become more common, but it is not easy. “The women who speak are burned and they take it hard,” says Véronique Le Bris. Social networks put them through an ordeal, without overturning the preconceived idea that they denounce to make a name for themselves in the profession. “Life is impossible for those who have spoken,” emphasizes Cécile Delarue. I’m waiting to be shown a woman whose life would have been easier after denouncing a man. »
Cautious optimism
All hope is not lost, however, for the future, which appears under the auspices of cautious optimism. “Talking is always a good thing,” insists Cécile Delarue. It’s always better to argue than to be silent. Some men need to understand that there is a difference between rapist and seducer. We always have the right to seduce, to love, and we must stop making people believe that feminists want and say the opposite. » And Véronique Le Bris added: “An example like Spain gives you confidence for the future. This country has equipped itself with the financial means to not let anything go unaddressed and has managed to reduce the number of feminicides by two in a short time. So, it’s possible! » All that remains is for France to follow suit. We all have to gain, and not just in the world of cinema.