'H24': A Series of 24 Short Films On Everyday Sexist Violence

H24 is a French mini Arte series created by Valérie Urrea and Nathalie Masduraud. It counts 24 4-minutes episode, each written and played by women and/or non-binary folks. This, alone, is revolutionary - especially in the French cinema scene: an entire series written, produced, directed, played and edited by women and non-binary folks? We do not know about you, but we have never heard of such a project before. Heck, even the music is by Léonie Pernet!

The project follows a chronological order, presenting one story for each hour; on the bus, in the workplace, at home, etc. Main characters are of all ages, social backgrounds, sexual orientation and ethnicities, showing that you cannot escape the violence when you are perceived as a woman. The way the stories are told is gripping, and also terribly smart: main characters address the viewer directly, as if having a conversation with us. They tells us what happened, but the scene is never shown directly.

For instance, the series opens with a woman taking the bus after her nightshift. She sits down, and the man next to her decides to take this as an invitation and asks her if he can give her head. But the scene and the face of the man are never shown.

Instead, Diane Kruger, plays her own role and the role of the man, telling us what went inside his head. The result is terrifying and disturbing, and it goes to show that the face or the name of the man is not important. Because it is not him. It is them. It is different men every time you take public transportation, walk down the streets, do your job, or stay at home. It is not an interpersonal violence. It is systemic violence. Today, it was that man. Tomorrow it is going to be another one. And unless we change the system, this is never going to change.

Incredible and talented people, such as Diane Kruger, Camille Cottin, Romane Bohringer, Souheila Yacoub, Céleste Brunnquell, Christiane Taubira, Myriam Leroy or Aloïse Sauvage, carry this powerful piece. We can only recommend you to watch it. But, be careful though: if you are yourself a survivor and/or are triggered by violence and humiliation, it could be very difficult to watch. Take care of yourself first.

To all our adelphes, we believe you. We are listening. We support you. We love you. You are not alone in this. We are here for you. Always.

You can find the French complete version down below. And if you do not speak French, do not worry: you can watch it with English subtitles directly on Arte Website.