216 min.
2024
N-13
English, French languages
Lithuanian, English subtitlesThe film introduces one of the most important activist communities in France. Activists settle in agro-cultural rural areas and ecologically important sites to prevent construction and development projects. Here they raise livestock, knead bread dough, make pancakes and prepare for protests. With nearly 5 minutes per shot, it’s easy to immerse yourself in this world of painstaking and focused work. Direct Action shows how much people can achieve when they dedicate themselves to one goal. Back in 2018, President Emmanuel Macron announced that an airport would not be built in one of these zones.
Awards
Berlin Film Festival – Special Mention, Encounters Golden Bear Plaque for Best Film
Cinéma du réel – Grand Prix
Guillaume Cailleau, Ben Russell
Guillaume Cailleau is Berlin-based artist and filmmaker. His work explores new forms to address political and social issues. His films have screened worldwide. His short film Laborat won a Silver Bear at the 2014 Berlinale. Artist and filmmaker Ben Russell was born in the USA and is currently based in Marseille. His works focus on the intersection between ethnography and psychedelia and has been presented around the world. He was an exhibiting artist at documenta 14 in 2017 and his work has already been shown at the Berlinale several times.
