Somewhere between Lyon and the Haut-Jura, on the old Franco-Swiss railway line that connects Pontarlier to Valorbe, the Coni’Fer tourist train, which usually carries dozens of tourists, welcomes a unique troupe. Seated on the benches, a handful of men and women concentrated, their features strained. We guess they are concentrated and worried. Suit jackets over the shoulders, black hats and skirts below the knees, we are transported to the 1940s, for a few takes.
In his new film, moonless nights, the association Cinémésis tells the story of resistant women from the Jura. Heroic smugglers who during the German occupation helped many Jewish families to cross the Swiss border.
There were a lot of things done during this period, on the Resistance and the maquis. We were keen to highlight the role of women because we talk about them much less. They did a lot, often in the shadows, we wanted to bring them to light.
Annick Bondet, assistant director
The short cut fringe hidden under a beret, shoulder bag and short pants, the young Paul Sassard plays the role of a Jewish child on the run. This is the first time he has made films. “It’s been a huge experience that you live and it’s too good, he says, searching for his words. He continues enthusiastically: if one day I could go back to a film, I will play in the film.”
On the next seat, Fanny Laithier found herself on the set completely by chance, at the last minute. “The person who was to be an extra in my place was not there. I tried on his costume and as it suited me I found myself in that role,” she testifies.
Like Paul, the entire film crew is a volunteer. They are about fifteen in the wagon that day. Behind the camera, Pierre Peuget is also a director and editor. This is not his first feature film. Founder of the Cinémésis association with Cyrille Combe, also passionate about cinema, he actively participated in the production of The crime farm and doctor of the poor. Two fictions which brought together in local theaters 3 to 5000 spectators.
For moonless nights, the objective is to make a two-hour film with a budget of 30,000 euros. Technicians, props or stewards, the shooting will mobilize a hundred volunteers. “It’s a pleasure, a great adventure where everyone gives of themselves to achieve a good result, explains Pierre Peuget between two shots. We manage to do something good with a minimum of things.”
Filming and editing should be completed in 2023. The association plans to distribute the film locally, in Franche-Comté cinemas.