Rendez-Vous With French Cinema, an annual film festival held at Lincoln Center, has long been a highlight of New York City’s cultural calendar. This year’s edition, in particular, offers a poignant reflection on the state of France since the devastating terrorist attacks that shook the nation in 2015.
The curated selection of films, which range from thrillers to dramas, take a deep dive into the complexities and hard truths of post-attack France. These films are not just tales of terror and tragedy but also explore the aftermath of violence and the impact it has on individuals and society as a whole.
One such film is “The Night Doctor” by Elie Wajeman, which follows a young emergency physician as he navigates the heightened state of fear and suspicion that has permeated Paris after the attacks. The film provides a sobering look at the psychological toll of trauma and grief, as well as the ways in which these emotions can manifest in unexpected and even dangerous ways.
Another film that grapples with the aftermath of terrorism is “Peaceful” by Stephane Demoustier. The legal drama centers around a young man who is accused of participating in a terrorist attack, and the trial that follows. The film takes a nuanced approach to the complexities of justice in the wake of a national tragedy, highlighting the ways in which individual lives can be upended by collective trauma.
Perhaps most strikingly, the films in this year’s Rendez-Vous With French Cinema selection confront the difficult questions of identity and belonging that have arisen in the years since the attacks. One such film is “Red Soil” by Farid Bentoumi, which tells the story of a young man of Algerian descent who returns to his hometown in France to work at the chemical plant where his father died. The film explores themes of discrimination, assimilation, and the struggle to reconcile one’s personal and cultural identities in a society that is increasingly divided.
Overall, this year’s Rendez-Vous With French Cinema selection has succeeded in presenting a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant portrait of post-attack France. These films offer a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of terrorism on individuals and communities alike, as well as the ongoing struggle to find healing and meaning in the face of tragedy.
