“A tough but essential film about reconstruction”

For the first time in his career, Alexandra Lamy went behind the camera. The 50-year-old actress directed the tv movie Affectedadapted from the eponymous comic strip by Quentin Zuttion. Affected follows the path of three women victims of different forms of violence. To embody the heroines, Alexandra Lamy chose Mélanie Doutey, Claudia Tagbo and her daughter Chloé Jouannet. For Alexandra Lamy, if becoming a director was a real desire, this project convinced her to take the plunge. And for good reason, the actress has been engaged for years in the fight against violence against women. “I read the comic and thought it was great. I told myself that for a first film, it was the right subject and the right way to express my commitments, especially on the reconstruction.”

Then started a extensive research and writing so that the film is closer to reality. “Adapting is always more complicated than you think, especially with comics. I listened to a lot of podcasts, I followed the Maison des Femmes, spoke with doctors, caregivers, volunteers, and of course victims. I also worked with the gendarmerie. Because we have a responsibilityyou must not miss it, and be as close as possible, as accurately as possible.”

Affected has one primary objective: show the reality of what violence against women is and trigger awareness. “I placed the story in the south of France to show that it also happens in the sun, and in all walks of life, at all ages. The film makes a lot of people react when it is shown, especially the men. Many realize they are violent without even realizing it.”

A necessary film on the reconstruction after the violence

But if the adaptation of Affected convinced Alexandra Lamy, it is for the underlying theme that he evokes: not only that of violence, but that of reconstruction and after. “Today, the victims speak, speech is freed and that’s great, but what happens afterwards? The film must be used to say that yes, we can rebuild ourselves. From the moment you open a door, there are people who can accompany you. Iwe have to show the light. We can soften this scar, calm the violence that we have in ourselves. I put comedy and joy in the film because it is also reality. They need that to survive and move forward, that’s life too.”

Affected follows the meeting of group of women during a fencing course set up by a victim support association. A key role in the reconstruction of the victims that Alexandra Lamy wanted to highlight. “Putting the spotlight on caregivers and volunteers is essential, there are an incredible number of them in every village in France. This film is a support for these people too. They have already started to show it in schools for example. I was asked why I didn’t take it out to the cinema. But no, I want to reach the people concerned. And they’re much more likely to see it on TV, and maybe it gives them the boost they need to seek help..”

Affected is broadcast on September 22 at 9:10 p.m. on TF1.