A documentary about Gisèle Pelicot, the woman at the center of France’s biggest sexual violence trial, is headed to HBO and HBO Max.
HBO Documentary Films is currently in production on the film, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Joanna Natasegara, produced by Abigail Anketell-Jones and Brenda Coughlin, and executive produced by Oscar winner Laura Poitras.
It follows Pelicot, who was drugged by her husband and assaulted by more than 50 men over the course of a decade, as she sets out to rebuild her life and speak out for other survivors of sexual violence.
Natasegara noted, “Gisèle’s decision to stand up and speak for survivors of sexual violence everywhere is simply an awe-inspiring act of courage. The film is a testimony to her insistence on dignity, her resolute refusal to be defined by the crimes committed against her, and how France and the rest of the world choose to respond to her bravery. From the day I learned about her story, I felt a responsibility to help to tell it.”
The doc is produced by Violet Films with MFF & CO, Bird Street Productions, InMaat, and Doc Society.
