About When shame changes sides - The case of Gisèle Pelicot
The sensational abuse trial involving Gisèle Pelicot, as seen through her daughter’s eyes. A documentary about the harrowing reality of drug-induced sexual violence and the courage of the victims to speak out. Over a period of ten years, Gisèle Pelicot was systematically drugged by her then-husband in Mazan, in the south of France. On numerous occasions he invited men from the area to sexually assault her. Central to the film is the personal perspective of their daughter, Caroline Darian, who speaks at length for the first time about her mother’s story and her own experiences during the trial. Darian has become an important voice for victims in recent years. As a whistleblower, she draws attention to the hitherto overlooked role of substances in sexual violence - an aspect that is often neglected in criminal proceedings. Gisèle Pelicot made the decision to waive her anonymity and insist that proceedings be open to the public rather than behind closed doors, as is common for rape cases in France. This sent a major signal to society. Thanks to the close relationship of trust
When shame changes sides - The case of Gisèle Pelicot is presented by DW Documentary. Its listed runtime is 52 minutes. The source link and publisher attribution are provided with the embedded film.
As a society documentary, When shame changes sides - The case of Gisèle Pelicot uses shame, changes, sides as its central frame. Social documentaries work best as invitations to examine systems through lived experience. Distinguish individual testimony from wider claims, and consider which institutions, incentives and inequalities shape the choices shown.
What to consider before watching
- What evidence, testimony or observation does the film use to explain shame, changes, sides?
- Which people, institutions or historical conditions most influence the story told in When shame changes sides - The case of Gisèle Pelicot?
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Topics covered in this documentary
Documentary details and original source
- Title
- When shame changes sides - The case of Gisèle Pelicot
- Category
- Society
- Runtime
- 52 minutes
- Language
- English
- Publisher
- DW Documentary
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