Is the plot around Mélissa’s rape inspired by a true story? Olivier Szulzynger, co-creator of Un si grand soleil, answers.
For the past few days, Un si grand soleil has tackled the subject of sexual violence in the world of so-called ‘amateur’ pornography and the crucial importance of free speech through the character of Mélissa (Hermine Granville). A shocking plot that accurately deals with a subject that television does not take up much.
A little backtracking on the contours of this arch. Mélissa, a student in a precarious situation, meets James (Edouard Giard), a so-called freelance photographer who works for fashion sites. Although she has no experience as a model, the young woman is still convinced to pose to make ends meet.
If the first photos are more classic, Mélissa ends up agreeing to pose naked for payment. The beginning of a real descent into hell for the young woman. Indeed, James is quick to drop the mask by asking him to shoot a pornographic video for Canada.
Given her financial situation and her fragility, Mélissa accepts in exchange for 800 euros. Unfortunately, the filming does not go at all as planned. Worse, Mélissa is the victim on this occasion of a gang rape.
With this new ark, the France 2 soap opera tackles the issue of violence against women from a new angle.
IS THE PLOT AROUND THE RAPE OF MÉLISSA INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY?
Unfortunately, Mélissa’s story is that of many other women. Asked about this by our colleagues from Entertainment TVOlivier Szulzynger, co-creator and co-screenwriter of Un si grand soleil, explains: “It is a plot that is based on real stories. Some directors and actors from these sites are currently in prison“.
And to continue:The theme of violence against women is reflected in the commitments of the entire Un si grand soleil team. It’s not the first time it’s been approached.
We had done it in particular through the character of Mo. I have the impression that we talk about it very little. In our society, things are moving forward to fight against this violence, but with formidable slowness“.
Through the character of Mélissa, Olivier Szulzynger and his teams have therefore written an arch around the “so-called ‘amateur’ pornography” to denounce “how pornographers exploit women“because reality”is very far from what some sites want to highlight.
We want to tell the reality of women who find themselves trapped by sites presenting themselves as licentiousness, and behind which there are, in fact, people who are rapists and pimps“. And to conclude: “The reality of these sites is to film rapes.“.