Boston Jewish Film Festival • Spotlight Screening
In 1972, a landmark trial shakes France as 16-year-old Marie-Claire is prosecuted for having an illegal abortion with the help of her mother and two other defendants. In a courtroom governed by men, the verdict seems inevitable: prison for the women, while the rapist goes unpunished. Their last hope lies with Gisèle Halimi (Charlotte Gainsbourg), a fearless Jewish lawyer known for openly challenging patriarchy and confronting the system that condemns victims and lets perpetrators walk free. Alongside the accused, Gisèle will not only change their fate, but, against all odds, transform the condition of women forever.
Followed by a conversation with Professor Kelly Colvin, Associate Professor of History at UMass Boston, and Professor Julian Bourg, Associate Professor of History at Boston College.
Director: Lauriane Escaffre, Yvo Muller
Run Time: 102 min.
Release Year: 2026
Language: French with English subtitles
Starring: Cécile de France, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Grégory Gadebois, Sarah Suco, Saül Benchetrit
