Cannes Review: Marie Perennes & Simon Depardon’s Docu ‘Feminist Riposte’

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“Sexism is everywhere — so are we.” It’s just one of many slogans plastered across the streets of France in the timely documentary Feminist Riposte (Riposte Féministe) which is in the Special Screenings section at Cannes.

Filmmakers Marie Perennès and Simon Depardon follow 10 groups of women around the country who are protesting about harassment, rape, femicide — and about the police response to these crimes. “Les flics” — aka the cops — are a silent force in this film, policing protests with grim faces.

This is about giving a voice to the young women, recording their dialogue about the cause. Initially, it’s a bit like attending a party: some conversations are fascinating, others feel a bit repetitive and you want to move on.

But as the women’s stories become more serious and personal, the film becomes more impactful as it highlights the urgency of their mission.After a brief narrated introduction, the filmmakers are silent observers, allowing their subjects to relax and chat.