Clémentine Autain's Emotional Plea on Sexist and Sexual Violence in Cinema
The recent dissolution of the French Assembly has led to the suspension of all parliamentary activities, including the commission of inquiry against sexist and sexual violence in cinema. This commission, which was created following revelations by actress Judith Godrèche, faces an uncertain future. Clémentine Autain, an LFI-NFP deputy for Seine-Saint-Denis, has been vocal about her concerns regarding the commission's future.
On July 3, during her appearance on the France 5 program 'C à vous,' Clémentine Autain couldn't hold back her tears while discussing the suspension of the commission. Autain, who was re-elected in the first round of the legislative elections on June 30, emphasized the importance of the commission's work and the need for concrete actions to follow its findings. 'What comes out of this commission must be followed by facts,' she stated.
Personal Struggles and Family Tragedy
Autain's emotional reaction is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and family history. Her mother, actress Dominique Laffin, passed away in 1985 at the age of 33. Autain revealed that her mother had worked with director Jacques Doillon, who was recently taken into police custody but released for medical reasons without prosecution. Autain suspects that her mother's involvement in Doillon's film 'The Weeping Woman' had significant consequences for her.
In 2006, Clémentine Autain publicly disclosed that she had been raped at knifepoint at the age of 23. During her appearance on 'C à vous,' she expressed her frustration and sorrow: 'I see everything that was done to these women who were taken as objects.' She also mentioned the ongoing struggles of other women in the industry, including Judith Godrèche, who filed a complaint against Doillon for 'rape of a minor.'
Autain's inability to discuss these matters with her mother, who died when she was just 12 years old, adds to her anguish. 'I don’t know what happened, I will never know,' she lamented. Her emotional breakdown on the show highlighted the immense difficulty of speaking out for victims of sexual violence. 'We have to realize what it's like to speak for these women. It’s huge, it’s hard, it’s also violent,' she added.
The investigation into the allegations against directors Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon continues. Jacquot has been indicted for rape and placed under judicial control, while Doillon was released without prosecution at this stage. The future of the commission of inquiry remains in limbo, but Autain's passionate advocacy underscores the critical need for continued efforts to address and combat sexual violence in the film industry.
- The suspension of the commission of inquiry against sexist and sexual violence in cinema is a significant setback for those advocating for justice in the industry. The commission was established in response to the courageous testimonies of women like Judith Godrèche, who have come forward to share their experiences of abuse.
- The dissolution of the French Assembly has not only halted the commission's work but also cast doubt on its future. Depending on the composition of the future assembly, there is a possibility that the commission may not be able to continue its important work. This uncertainty is a source of great concern for Clémentine Autain and other advocates.
- Clémentine Autain's personal connection to the issue adds a poignant layer to her advocacy. Her mother's tragic death and her own experience of sexual violence have fueled her determination to fight for justice. Autain's emotional plea on national television serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address and eradicate sexist and sexual violence in all sectors, including cinema.
