Films on police violence in France and the US
A selection of films explores police violence, a topic that has become increasingly prominent in public discourse. These films draw from real events and highlight systemic issues within law enforcement, particularly in marginalized communities. They offer insight into the tensions between residents and police, often showing how abuse of power can lead to cycles of violence and distrust."La Haine" and its inspiration
La Haine by Mathieu Kassovitz (1995) was previewed during the October 17 demonstrations in Paris. The film, shot in color and converted to black and white, is inspired by the 1993 death of Makomé M'Bowolé, a 17-year-old killed by a bullet in a police station in Paris. It portrays the systemic cycle of police violence in French suburbs and the resulting conflict between residents and law enforcement."Diaz, an act of state" and the Genoa protests
Diaz, an act of state by Daniele Vicari (2012) retraces the violent police assault on the Diaz school during the 2001 G8 summit in Genoa. The film details how hundreds of activists and journalists were beaten, tortured, and later faced fabricated evidence orchestrated by the police hierarchy. It presents the events with a strong and disturbing accuracy."Fruitvale Station" and its real-life inspiration
Fruitvale Station by Ryan Coogler (2013) is based on the true story of Oscar Grant, a young African-American man shot at point-blank by a police officer in Oakland in 2009. The film, Coogler’s debut, highlights how racist prejudice can have devastating consequences. It also marks the beginning of the collaboration between Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, who later appeared in Creed and Black Panther."La Belle et la Meute" and feminist themes
La Belle et la Meute by Kaouther Ben Hania (2017) follows Mariam, a woman who is raped by police officers and struggles to prove the crime in a patriarchal society. The film uses nine long takes to depict her experience of domination and violence, offering a feminist perspective on systemic injustice and the lack of support for victims."Detroit" and the 1967 riots
Detroit by Kathryn Bigelow (2017) focuses on the 1967 riots in the city, which occurred amid protests against racial segregation and the Vietnam War. The film centers on the Algiers Motel case, where police tortured hotel guests. It features intense performances from Will Poulter and Algee Smith, capturing the chaos and brutality of the events."The Hate U Give" and modern police violence
The Hate U Give by George Tillman Jr. (2018) follows a high school girl who witnesses the murder of her best friend by a police officer during a stop-and-frisk. The film echoes the real-life case of George Floyd, shot by a police officer in Minneapolis in 2020. It explores the emotional and social impact of such events on an African-American family seeking justice."Les Misérables" and police misconduct in France
Les Misérables by Ladj Ly (2019) depicts police misconduct in the Montfermeil neighborhood, where a theft leads to a violent overreaction by law enforcement. The film, shot with a drone, captures the ensuing public outrage and the breakdown of trust between residents and police. It received critical acclaim and won four César awards, including best film.
