‘Engaged, curious filmmaking which finds humour as well as anger.’
Screen Daily
Under cover of night across France, small groups of women take to the streets. Armed with buckets of glue and sheets of white paper bearing black painted letters, they are members of feminist collage collectives, groups of activists who paste messages, and tributes to the victims of violence against women. Some are feminists of long-standing, others have never campaigned before – all are in revolt against the abuse that has too often overwhelmed their lives. Sexism is everywhere unseen – so are they!
In this spirited documentary French filmmakers Marie Perennès and Simon Depardon are silent observers, shadowing the women as they poster walls and windows and allowing them space to share their thoughts and hopes for the new wave of feminist activism. These fighters find joy in being around each other, in doing things together. They cheer each other on, share details about their lives. They are interested in making things better, even though their preferred method literally won’t stick for too long.
The strength of Feminist Riposte lies not only in the spotlight it shines on this movement, but in the sense of belonging and fun these women share despite the ferocity of their quest.