Women on Trial
- Sat, Nov 7
Director: Lauriane Escaffre, Yvo Muller Run Time: 102 min. Release Year: 2026 Language: French with English subtitles
Starring: Cécile de France, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Grégory Gadebois, Sarah Suco, Saül Benchetrit
Boston Jewish Film Festival • Spotlight Screening
In 1972, a landmark trial shakes France as 16-year-old Marie-Claire is prosecuted for having an illegal abortion with the help of her mother and two other defendants. In a courtroom governed by men, the verdict seems inevitable: prison for the women, while the rapist goes unpunished. Their last hope lies with Gisèle Halimi (Charlotte Gainsbourg), a fearless Jewish lawyer known for openly challenging patriarchy and confronting the system that condemns victims and lets perpetrators walk free. Alongside the accused, Gisèle will not only change their fate, but, against all odds, transform the condition of women forever.
Followed by a conversation with Professor Kelly Colvin, Associate Professor of History at UMass Boston, and Professor Julian Bourg, Associate Professor of History at Boston College.
Brattle passes not accepted.
Boston Jewish Film is New England’s largest film-based organization showcasing Jewish life and culture in a dynamic, celebratory way that is inclusive and accessible to all. A part of JCC Greater Boston since 2026, BJF aims to foster dialogue, bridge differences, and help people of all ages define and affirm what it means to be Jewish in today’s world by expertly curating and showcasing films that draw color from the entire spectrum of the Jewish experience.