Black pains
"We, Black and French," a three-part documentary series directed by Lorène Debaisieux, explores both the place of women and social diversity. Over three years, we follow the lives of Fatou, Oumou, Khady, Lucie, Charlène, and Nadège. Through laughter and tears, our heroines discuss transmission, traditions, their roots, the beauty of Black identity, and their relationship with France.
The film aims to break a taboo by encouraging four French women to share their struggles, their victories against female genital mutilation and forced marriages, and to testify about the hope brought by surgical repair now being possible.
Type (Documentaire / Documentaire fiction / Série documentaire)documentary seriesGenre en anglaisSociety CollectionWe, Black and French Written and directed byLorène DebaisieuxEditingPhilippe BaillonIn association with CNC, FASILD (Fonds action et soutien pour intégr. et lutte contre discriminations), ProcirepDistributed by ADAV, Artline FilmsYear2006Duration52min
In the form of interwoven portraits, this film tells the story of the struggle of four French women aged 27, 46, 29, and 37, all excised. Fatou, 27, of Senegalese and Malian origin, excised at Beauvais. Khady, 46, excised at the age of 7 then forced to marry an African living in France who made excised their 3 daughters in France. Maïnouan, 29, born in France from Senegaleses parents, excised and forced to marry at the age of 16. Oumon, 37, Malian origin, mother of two daughters, ready to do anything to break the tradition.
Four French women of African descent. Whether born in France or not, they embody a struggle that can raise awareness and help women who feel isolated and unsure of whom to turn to.
These women were chosen for their courage, strength, determination, and exemplary nature. Their journeys and awakenings deserve respect and offer hope to others. And even if they still cry over their experiences, they are no longer victims.
Press coverage
The director employs gentle methods to tackle strong subjects. (…) A patient and meticulous effort is evident in the selection and arrangement of testimonies. (…) The editing creates a cohesive and unusually clear whole.
Le Monde
Lorène Debaisieux has succeeded (…) in sharing their fate with us, without falling into sensationalist voyeurism, but by capturing their intimate voices with attentive tenderness and sensitive listening. The beautiful portraits she presents are not those of victims (…), but of those who have decided, once and for all, to take their destiny into their own hands.
TéléObs
A remarkable investigative work.
Télé Loisirs
Enhanced by superb production, the voices of these women convey both a lingering pain and their vibrant, intelligent reflections on female genital mutilation.
Télé Star
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