From France to PH, the Impact of RESOUNDING SILENCE

Emmanuelle Beart in Un Silence Si Bruyant (SUCH A RESOUNDING SILENCE), opening film of the French Film Festival, November 25, 2023 at SM MOA Cinema.

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

The opening film, Un Silence Si Bruyant (SUCH A RESOUNDING SILENCE) had the longest standing ovation in the French Film Festival’s history. More than that, the audience in Mall of Asia Cinema, last November 25, 2023, was moved to tears over the documentary recounting the lives who were victimized by incest.

From right: Amb. Marie Fontanel, The Godmother of the French Film Fest Emanuelle Beart and SM Hotels and Conventions Corp Pres. Elizabeth Sy. Saffron Grand Ballroom of Lanson Place, SM MOA Complex, during the French Embassy and SM Charity Ball Dinner, Nov. 26, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

This was from the powerful storytelling of Norma (28), Joachim (38), Pascale (52), Sarah and her daughter (11). Sarah was speaking mostly for her daughter who was sexually abused by her ex-husband.

Un Silence Si Bruyant (SUCH A RESOUNDING SILENCE) deals with the lifelong trauma of incest, the opening film of the French Film Festival, November 25, 2023 at SM MOA Cinema.

Center (in red) Amb Marie Fontanel with from left: The Godmother of the French Film Fest Emanuelle Beart at the Director’s Club in S MAISON / Conrad’s, Mall of Asia Complex during the presscon of the 26th French Film festival Nov 25, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

The usually glib, Festival Director Martin Macalintal was choked up when he introduced the Godmother of the Fest: Emanuelle Beart. Who was co-director of the documentary and at the same time one of the film’s subjects.

The French Film Festival was screened in SM MEGAMALL and SM MOA Cinemas, November 25-December 3, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Screenings to Gala

SM Supermalls rolled out the red carpet for Emanuelle. Starting with a press conference in the Director’s Club at high end mall S Maison (connected to Conrad’s). Followed by a standing room only screening at SM MALL OF ASIA Cinema. The French Film fest movies were also screened at SM MEGA MALL.

from left: SM Hotels and Conventions Corp Pres. Elizabeth Sy, CAMELEON Founder & Director Laurence Ligier and Emanuelle Beart. Saffron Grand Ballroom of Lanson Place, SM MOA Complex, during the French Embassy and SM Charity Ball Dinner, Nov. 26, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Then a Charity Ball Gala at the Saffron Grand Ballroom of Lanson Place, the following night (Nov 26^th). The Gala was a fund raising effort in support of Cameleon Association, an NGO dedicated to helping sexually abused girls and youth based in Iloilo.

Cirquera De Cameleon at the Saffron Grand Ballroom of Lanson Place, SM MOA Complex, during the French Embassy and SM Charity Ball Dinner, Nov. 26, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Jewel of a Documentary

Among those moved to tears was Senator Rissa Hontiveros, the most high profile figure in women’s and children’s rights. She participated in the open forum held after the screening.

SM Supermall Pres. Steven Tan and Sen. Rissa Hontiveros. During the Opening of the 26th French Film festival Nov 25, 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista

Hontiveros praised the documentary co-directed by Anastasia Mikova, “Just before witnessing this documentary we were already talking about relevant legislation. That, cousin of Pascale. We’re crying practically the first scene. He said this is like a wave for you, a counterwave. It’s a counterwave to what Sarah said, a Tsunami. We are all so grateful to witness your and Anastasia’s (Mikova) work. Just before watching your documentary, commentaries among the colleagues here. Updating the Anti-violence against the Children Law. Bills about Children’s courts, about therapeutic centers and such.”

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She and others like her are inspired to do more, “So my God what an afternoon. So the work continues and will continue. I am so hopeful, we have this jewel of your documentary to share with other people. And move us in our work moving forward.”

Norma produced a one woman monologue show in order to deal with her traumas in Un Silence Si Bruyant (SUCH A RESOUNDING SILENCE), opening film of the French Film Festival, November 25, 2023 at SM MOA Cinema. (10)

Sorrow as Inspiration

Emanuelle Beart as an actress is one of the most prominent French names in Hollywood. Having starred in MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (1996) and as Cesar Best Supporting Actress winner.

From left: Amb Marie Fontanel, The Godmother of the French Film Fest Emanuelle Beart and SM SUPERMALLS Pres. Steven Tan at the Director’s Club in S MAISON / Conrad’s, Mall of Asia Complex during the presscon of the 26th French Film festival Nov 25, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Beart said, “I am very honored and very proud. I still can’t believe we are able to see this movie in the Philippines. I think it’s a wonderful thing. This movie was made in France. The theme is incest. But I think it’s not only a French problem. Every time I go to another country abroad, I do realize that the problems are the same.”

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Asked why she made the documentary she said, “I started this movie with a kind of sorrow, feeling really heavy. I didn’t want to talk to anyone about this. I was ashamed. Then I became a mother. I chose this wonderful profession of language. At one point of my life, I thought it would be wonderful to take this heavy sorrow and to make something of it.

The Godmother of the French Film Fest Emanuelle Beart at the Director’s Club in S MAISON / Conrad’s, Mall of Asia Complex during the presscon of the 26th French Film festival Nov 25, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Maybe as an actress because I’m very well known in France people think she’s very happy. She had a wonderful childhood. If I dare to talk about it publicly it will provoke something. And people will dare to talk too. That’s what happened in France. It was really like a big wave.”

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Inclusivity and Diversity

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan personally welcomed Beart to the best facilities in the SM Mall of Asia Complex, from S Maison mall to the newly opened Lanson Place. The event is one of many showing their mission of inclusivity.

2nd From left: Amb Marie Fontanel, from right: The Godmother of the French Film Fest Emanuelle Beart and SM SUPERMALLS Pres. Steven Tan at the Director’s Club in S MAISON / Conrad’s, Mall of Asia Complex during the presscon of the 26th French Film festival Nov 25, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

He said, “SM is all about inclusivity and diversity. As the biggest company here in the Philippines, we’re not just here to provide entertainment, fun and shopping. Of course that’s really the business of shopping centers. But we, as a big company, have that responsibility to tell the public a serious problem we are facing.”

For him its more about creating a platform, “It is not just about people coming in and buying things, no. It’s not just that. Its meaningless if you only look at it that way. It would be more meaningful if you were able to share culture, to have a platform for people to speak up. Also for people to learn from things.”

SM Supermall Pres. Steven Tan and the Godmother of the French Film Fest Emanuelle Beart at the Opening of the 26th French Film festival Nov 25, 2023, SM Mall of Asia Cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista

Wake People Up

Tan continued, “This French Film festival it’s not just about entertainment. Its entertainment to wake people up. To be an eyeopener for the problem that is not being discussed or talked about… incest in the Philippines is a taboo subject. I’m glad that there’s this platform. I’m so happy we have this platform. We have this venue to share, the problem of our society. Hopefully we could have an answer and an awareness so this could totally stop.”

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Women’s Rights and Children’s Rights

The 26th Edition of the French Film Festival, is the first one for newly assigned Ambassador Marie Fontanel. She was quick to take note of International Day for Children’s Rights last November 20, and the International Day of fighting against Violence Against Women which coincided with the festival opening last November 25.

Standing 3rd from left: Amb Marie Fontanel, from left: SM Supermalls Pres. Steven Tan, CAMELEON Founder & Director Laurence Ligier, Emanuelle Beart, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp Pres. Elizabeth Sy with Cirquera De Cameleon members. Saffron Grand Ballroom of Lanson Place, SM MOA Complex, during the French Embassy and SM Charity Ball Dinner, Nov. 26, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Amb. Fontanel said, “Promoting women’s rights, children rights is really, really high on the agenda of the French Diplomacy. We have an official feminist diplomacy, foreign policy. It made absolute sense to start the festival with this. I was really moved by the documentary. That’s why I wanted to present it here. France is quite known for cinema, culture, l’amour etc. But I cannot consider cinema is just about that. Cinema and culture is also about advocating for sensitive matters and priorities.”

Joachim was the lone male incest victim in Un Silence Si Bruyant (SUCH A RESOUNDING SILENCE), opening film of the French Film Festival, November 25, 2023 at SM MOA Cinema.

Ongoing Issues Here

Just from the most recent headlines, Senator Hontiveros was able to summarize and run through related issues here in the Philippines.

“Our hearts are bruised by the ongoing hearings for example, on the abuse of children by a cult in Surigao Del Norte Province. The children were forced into marriage. Forced to engage in sexual activities. Denied education, health services and other opportunities for a life for themselves.”

From left: DSWD Asec. Atty. Elaine Fallarcuna, MLAC Exec. Dir. Hannah Morillo and Sen. Rissa Hontiveros. During the Opening of the 26th French Film festival Nov 25, 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista

“Also hearings on the human trafficking hubs and centers. That have converged around the Philippine off shore gaming operations, or POGOS. Victimizing women and also younger women as well. We worked a lot even during those hearings, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.”

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“Alongside our investigations, we’ve been working on laws the past 7 years. Again with inputs from DSWD. And the rich inputs of advocates and practitioners, like MLAC and many other women, children and gender equality advocates to pass laws at raising the age of consent from 12 to at least 16. Preventing against statutory rape. The law prohibiting child marriage. The law expanding on the Anti Trafficking in persons Act and others.”

Familia Grande

One of the books mentioned in RESOUNDING SILENCE is an autobiography by Camille Kouchner accusing her stepfather of incest.

Amb Fontanel shared, “I have experienced in my previous capacities, before being an ambassador, how important culture and artists picking up is for changing legislation. Emanuelle was briefly mentioning, what was a very famous book in France from Camille Kouchner, Familia Grande. Testimony on sexual abuse that’s not her, her brother experienced. He was the victim of someone who is very famous in France, a powerful man. Teacher in one of the most important political science school in Paris.”

Un Silence Si Bruyant (SUCH A RESOUNDING SILENCE) deals with the lifelong trauma of incest, the opening film of the French Film Festival, November 25, 2023 at SM MOA Cinema.

The book caused a huge scandal. Since the stepfather is Olivier Duhamel “president of the National Foundation of Political Science (FNSP)… the prestigious university attended by much of France’s political class. Also a leading political commentator on radio and television, Duhamel sat at the summit of French cultural and intellectual life – until, that is, his stepdaughter’s revelation” From The Guardian: Camille Kouchner’s Familia Grande: ‘I knew my stepfather’s games… but with my brother, too?’

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Age of Consent in France

Amb. Fontanel responded directly to Sen. Hontiveros mentioning France’s own struggles in legislating an age of consent, “That was a shock as she was saying in the documentary. At the time, I was in another capacity and was reflecting for many, many years on the legislation of putting an age of consent. We didn’t have one in France. You are much more advance in the Philippines.”

Amb Marie Fontanel; During the Opening of the 26th French Film festival Nov 25, 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista (26)

“It’s good that you put it on 16. We haven’t had an age of consent for many years. And I remember that the very first time it was 1970, we were trying to put it on the political agenda. My God, the level of obstacles in France is what I’m referring to. No not a question, it cannot be like that. You cannot put an age of consent. It’s not possible.”

Un Silence Si Bruyant (SUCH A RESOUNDING SILENCE) deals with the lifelong trauma of incest, the opening film of the French Film Festival, November 25, 2023 at SM MOA Cinema.

Pushing Legislation

The scandal resulting from the book, and the additional awareness of RESOUNDING SILENCE all contributed to new laws for France.

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Amb. Fontanel said, “The very first time we tried to launch the legislation, it did not pass. And then, two years after, the book came out and the wave was so huge. They were obliged to push the legislation. We now have a legislation that forbids sexual abuse of a child of 15. 15 years old cannot consent to a sexual relationship. 18 for the case of incest. That’s the two age limits.”

From left: Godmother of the French Film fest Emanuelle Beart and CAMELEON Founder & Director Laurence Ligier. During the Opening of the 26th French Film festival Nov 25, 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista

“We now have the real strong conviction, it was possible because someone very famous at some point spoke about the situation. I do honor a lot the work of Emanuelle (Beart). And people like Norma. She also uses art to speak up. This is really key to push politicians at some point to do more.”

Culture and Advocacy

She continued, “That’s why as an ambassador now to link between our advocacies, our priorities: Women’s rights, children’s rights and culture. The two going together, we can really improve the situation. I work for an embassy. I am not a decision maker. The very least we can do is to put the question in the agenda. To contribute to the awareness of the situation in France and in the Philippines.”

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Breaking the Stigma

One of the panelists after the screening is Hannah Morillo, Executive Director of MLAC, she also works at the Cameleon Association as their official psychologist. MLAC is based on the initials of founder Dr. Ma. Lourdes ‘Honey’ A. Carandang. And also stands for Mindfulness Love and Compassion – MLAC Institute for Psychological Services Inc.

Center: Amb. Marie Fontanel, from left: DSWD Asec. Atty. Elaine Fallarcuna, MLAC Exec. Dir. Hannah Morillo, Sen. Rissa Hontiveros, Emanuelle Beart, CAMELEON Founder & Director Laurence Ligier and Forum Moderator David Celdran. During the Opening of the 26th French Film festival Nov 25, 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista

Morilllo said, “You’re asking what we can do? This is a beautiful and palpable situation we’re all in. Engaging in a discussion. Led by the French Embassy in Manila. We are all moved, we are reflecting on the message shared by Emanuelle. This kind of sharing breaks the stigma. It also releases empathy, compassion in all of us.”

Un Silence Si Bruyant (SUCH A RESOUNDING SILENCE) deals with the lifelong trauma of incest, the opening film of the French Film Festival, November 25, 2023 at SM MOA Cinema.

“While you said you shared narratives of trauma, of hurt, pain, some people felt discomfort. You also shared a beautiful narrative of hope. You shared a narrative of healing. That’s what we also see. That’s why we journey with clients.”

Speak for Them

According to Morillo, we all have a role to play in advocating for victims of trauma, “That’s where the trauma and whatever happened, sexual abuse is a kind of trauma. With physical violence, psychological abuse etc. But there are different players. We’re all here as bystanders. We can all do something in our own capacities. It’s not just the legislators, not just the implementors, not just the civil service organizations.”

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“You all have your own voices. And with that you also hear those who are silenced. As what you see in the film. And when we do our part, we cultivate this culture of speaking for them, of advocating not just for our causes but also for those who are silenced.”

Cirquera De Cameleon hugged by Emanuelle Beart; Saffron Grand Ballroom of Lanson Place, SM MOA Complex, during the French Embassy and SM Charity Ball Dinner, Nov. 26, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

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