In recognition of International Children’s Rights Day, France 2 will premiere *Signalements*, directed by Eric Métayer, on November 20. The film, adapted from a book by Karine and Laurence Brunet-Jambu, follows an aunt’s struggle to rescue her niece from parental abuse amidst systemic indifference. Cécile Bois, who plays Laurence, delivers a powerful performance, aiming to honor the real-life experiences depicted. The film seeks to inspire audiences to take action against abuse, reflecting its emotional impact and authenticity.
International Children’s Rights Day and the Release of *Signalements*
In honor of International Children’s Rights Day, France 2 is set to air *Signalements*, a thought-provoking film directed by Eric Métayer on Wednesday, November 20. Known for his previous work *Les Chatouilles*, Métayer tackles a gripping narrative adapted from the book by Karine and Laurence Brunet-Jambu.
This heart-wrenching story follows the relentless battle of an aunt striving to rescue her niece from the clutches of parental abuse. Laurence, portrayed by the talented Cécile Bois, faces a maze of indifference, incompetence, and outright hostility from certain officials within the Child Welfare Services and the justice system. Despite numerous reports, the little girl remains with her parents, a situation that defies all reason.
Cécile Bois: A Dedication to Truth
Cécile Bois, best known for her role in *Candice Renoir*, delivers a powerful performance as Laurence, a role that earned her the Best Actress Award at the 26th La Rochelle Festival. When asked what drew her to this project, Bois shared, “Having previously portrayed powerful female struggles, I was compelled by the combination of the subject matter and Eric Métayer’s direction. His understanding of child and women’s abuse resonated with me, and I wanted to support his vision.”
Preparing for such a significant role posed its challenges. Bois explained, “The hardest part was staying true to Laurence’s real-life experiences. I didn’t want to impose my interpretation on her story, so I chose not to read her book. Instead, I engaged with Eric Métayer and others who had met her, allowing me to honor her journey authentically.” She sought Laurence’s input only once, ensuring that her portrayal remained respectful and accurate.
Both Laurence and Karine were closely involved in the film’s development. They reviewed drafts and provided feedback, although they found some elements of the script significantly softened compared to their reality. Ultimately, the film aimed to balance the harsh truths of their experience with the need to make it palatable for audiences.
Bois also discussed her collaboration with Flavie Dachy, the actress who plays Karine. “We didn’t interact much on set because I wanted to preserve the rawness of her performance. Flavie has a captivating gaze that conveys deep emotion without words,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of allowing Dachy to retain her childlike innocence while tackling such heavy themes.
As for the film’s poignant final court scene, Bois revealed that it closely mirrored the actual events experienced by Laurence, evoking a strong emotional response from the cast and crew during filming. “The applause from the crew caught me off guard, yet I managed to stay in character,” she recounted.
Among the film’s most challenging moments for Bois was the scene by the lake where Laurence faces the crushing news that Karine would be taken away once more. “It was crucial to portray this scene authentically without sensationalizing the pain,” she explained, drawing from Laurence’s real-life reactions to guide her performance.
Bois hopes that *Signalements* will serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging those aware of abuse to speak up. She recalled a touching encounter at the La Rochelle Festival with a teacher who felt empowered by the film to take action regarding a suspected case of abuse. “My hope is that this film inspires individuals to act and potentially save lives,” she concluded.