Taking its title from the tactical protest strategy of the same name, DIRECT ACTION documents the everyday lives of one of the most high-profile militant activist communities in France. The hypnotic and patient lens of experimental artists Ben Russell and Guillaume Cailleau transform the actions of these French protesters into a compelling choreography of the battle against capitalism and growing right-wing sentiments.
Artists and experimental filmmakers Ben Russell and Guillaume Cailleau pitched their tents for two years at ZAD (zone à défendre), the now-famous occupation in Notre-Dame-des-Landes, France, near Nantes. Farmers, anarchists and other activists have been fighting against the construction of an airport for years, and, on the occasion of several eviction attempts, have been subjected to impressive acts of violence. In 41 long takes, a stunning 216-minute challenge, this utopia develops into a fully-fledged alternative to a society where 'community' and 'living together' are gradually proving to be hollow words. By comprehensively foregrounding the daily life of the occupation, Russell and Cailleau raise the legitimate question of what exactly 'direct action', in a sustained struggle against the far-right of political power, can or should be.
Director's Talk: Guillaume Cailleau
12.10 | 14:15 • KASKcinema • after the screening • talk in English, in collaboration with Courtisane
“Cinema is one of the best places for utopia to be realised.” The steadfast belief of directors Guillaume Cailleau and Ben Russell in cinema’s power to change and improve reality, is not only radical but just as inspiring. During a one-on-one conversation, Cailleau discusses their documentary Direct Action, which follows the French action group ZAD.
Image gallery
Credits
Guillaume Cailleau, Ben Russell
Ben Russell
Guillaume Cailleau, Ben Russell
Guillaume Cailleau
Michel Balagué
CasK Films, VOLTE
More info
French, English
Germany, France
2024
