Revisiting French Colonial History Through Film
Did you know that France once held the second-largest colonial empire in the world, right after the British? Although France is no longer a colonial power in the traditional sense, it still has territories overseas, like Martinique and French Polynesia. Revisiting these histories through films, especially fictionalized retellings, allows us to gain empathy for people who lived through these times. It lets us see them as individuals navigating complex decisions in challenging conditions.
Today, I want to recommend two powerful movies based on true stories or historical movements, both set in France and directed by French filmmakers of African descent. They touch on colonialism’s legacy in France and its impact on communities and individuals. Let’s dive into these recommendations.
Saint Omer (2022)
Directed by Alice Diop, a French-Senegalese filmmaker known for her documentaries, Saint Omer is her first fiction film. The movie follows the experience of a writer who observes the trial of a migrant woman accused of a disturbing crime. Through the story, Diop explores themes of isolation, migration, and the alienating effects of motherhood in a foreign land. The film’s naturalistic style stems from Diop’s documentary background, adding a realistic touch to the narrative. The story is based on the real trial of Fabienne Kabou, which Diop attended in person, making the film feel all the more authentic and moving.
Hors-la-loi (Men Outside the Law, 2010)
Our second recommendation, Hors-la-loi, is directed by Rachid Bouchareb, a French-Algerian filmmaker known for examining France’s complex relationship with Algeria, a former colony. Hors-la-loi follows three Algerian brothers in France during Algeria’s independence movement. Each brother takes a different path, showing the varied ways colonialism and the struggle for independence impact individuals. With a tone that feels like a western or a gangster movie, the film combines intense lighting and music to create a gripping atmosphere. Its anti-colonial themes come through in the writing, adding to the story’s depth and intensity.
Both of these thought-provoking movies bring us closer to the human side of colonialism’s legacy, letting us experience and understand history from a different perspective. Have you seen either of these films? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!