HBO has begun production on a documentary film about sexual abuse survivor Gisèle Pelicot.
The case of Gisèle Pelicot has been described as one of the most disturbing cases of sexual and domestic violence in France in recent years. After years of marriage, Pelicot discovered that her husband had been drugging and sexually abusing her for decades and involving other men in the abuse.
The case sparked widespread debate around consent, systematic sexual abuse and the silencing of victims in France and around the world. Gisèle Pelicot’s decision not to hid her identity and to share what she has experienced has been widely regarded as a transformative stance for sexual violence victims.
The documentary follows Gisèle Pelicot as she rebuilds her life after over a decade of sexual abuse. Directed by Joanna Natasegara and co-produced by Violet Films and HBO Documentary Films, the project will also have high-profile figures and organizations such as Laura Poitras and Doc Society as executive producers.
The documentary will tackle Gisèle Pelicot’s decision to make her voice heard for all sexual abuse victims and the impact of this decision in France and the world.
The film will premiere on HBO and stream on HBO Max.
