American French Film Festival Features Documentaries on Shoah and Gaza

What's Happening?

The American French Film Festival (TAFFF) in Los Angeles is set to showcase six feature documentaries, including Guillaume Ribot's 'All I Had Was Nothing,' which explores the making of Claude Lanzmann's 'Shoah.' This documentary uses outtakes from the original film and a voiceover by Ribot to delve into Lanzmann's pursuit of truth regarding the Holocaust. Another significant feature is Sepideh Farsi's 'Put Your Soul On Your Hand and Walk,' created through video calls with Fatma Hassona, a photojournalist from Gaza who was tragically killed in an Israeli airstrike. The festival will also present Linda Bendali's 'Drugged and Abused: No More Shame,' Romane Bohringer's 'Tell Her That I Love Her,' Alain Berliner's 'Bardot,' and Anissa Bonnefont's 'La Scala: The Force of Destiny.' These documentaries are competing for the 2025 TAFFF Best Documentary Award.

Why It's Important?

The inclusion of these documentaries in TAFFF highlights significant historical and contemporary issues, such as the Holocaust and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. By showcasing these films, the festival provides a platform for stories that might otherwise remain untold, fostering dialogue and understanding. The documentaries also reflect on personal and societal traumas, offering insights into human rights abuses and the resilience of individuals facing adversity. This event underscores the role of film as a powerful medium for education and advocacy, potentially influencing public perception and policy regarding these critical issues.

What's Next?

The American French Film Festival will take place at the DGA Theater Complex in Hollywood from October 28 to November 3. The full lineup of films will be announced on September 30. As the festival unfolds, it is expected to attract attention from filmmakers, critics, and audiences interested in international cinema and documentary storytelling. The competition for the Best Documentary Award will likely generate discussions about the artistic and thematic merits of the featured films, potentially impacting their distribution and reception in broader markets.

Beyond the Headlines

The festival's focus on documentaries that address complex and sensitive topics may lead to broader discussions about the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers in portraying real-world events. It also raises questions about the role of cultural events in bridging gaps between different societies and fostering mutual understanding. The collaboration between various cultural and industry organizations in hosting TAFFF highlights the importance of cross-cultural partnerships in promoting diverse narratives and supporting filmmakers from different backgrounds.