Direct Action

Guillaume Cailleau & Ben Russell

SCREENER

2024

216min

Germany, France

Taking its title from the tactical protest strategy of the same name – “an action that seeks to achieve an end directly and by the most effective means” – DIRECT ACTION documents the everyday lives of one of the most high-profile militant activist communities in France and asks whether the success of a radical protest movement can offer a path through the climate crisis.

Following the principles of an immersive filmmaking and in the footsteps of some of Akerman's work, DIRECT ACTION is a unique and hypnotic portrayal of a community which is not circumscribed to its violent interactions with the State: thanks to their meticulous observation, the directors document a highly singular political movement where it is still possible to conceive a better tomorrow.

Produced by CASKFILMS, in co-production with VOLTE Films.

A fascinating documentary taking the clever and highly artistic approach of opting against a sensationalist aesthetic, filmed from the inside and unfolding in line with the unhurried pace of nature.

CINEUROPA

A rare documentary in symbiosis with the people and place it captures offering a rousing, immersive study of communal living.

THE FILM STAGE

A superlative example of the daring kind of filmmaking, compelling the viewer to consider the relationship between form and content while delving into one of the most significant political struggles of contemporary Europe with disarming concreteness.

FILM COMMENT

Drifting away from news media sensationalist imagery, the film reveals the essence, the force of an entire group.

LE MONDE

Press kit Stills Poster

Berlinale 2024 - Best Film (Encounters) and Special Mention of the Documentary Jury
Cinéma du Réel 2024 - Grand Prize