French #MeToo: Academic Conference to Unpack Power, Silence & Systemic Change in Cinema & Media
Paris, France – November 17, 2025 – In a move signaling a critical turning point, a landmark conference is set to take place at the Sorbonne Nouvelle Research Center in Paris from November 27th to 28th, 2025, dedicated to a rigorous examination of the French #MeToo movement within the realms of cinema and media. This isn’t just another discussion; it’s a focused effort to transform a cultural reckoning into a robust field of academic inquiry, and it’s urgent. For those following Google News, this event represents a significant development in the ongoing global conversation about accountability and systemic change.
From #MeToo to Research: A Decade of “Genre en Séries” Paves the Way
The conference arises from the work of the journal “Genre en Séries: cinema, television, media,” established in 2015 at Bordeaux Montaigne University. This publication, celebrating its tenth anniversary, has consistently explored the intersection of gender and media culture, proactively seeking to integrate gender studies into French academic discourse. The journal’s founders recognized, even before the global explosion of #MeToo, the critical need to analyze power structures, social norms, and the often-hidden dynamics within media industries. The emergence of #MeToo – and its extensions like #MeToo Incest and #MeToo Gay – served as a stark validation of that foresight.
Why France? The Unique Challenges of “Artistic” Status
What makes the French context particularly compelling? The conference organizers highlight a unique challenge: the enduring perception of cinema as “Art” in France. This status, they argue, has historically shielded the industry from the same level of scrutiny and accountability seen in other sectors, fostering a culture of silence and hierarchical power dynamics. It’s a fascinating point – the very reverence for artistic expression can, paradoxically, create a breeding ground for abuse. This conference aims to dismantle that notion and apply a critical lens to the practices and mentalities that have allowed problematic behavior to persist.
Beyond Hollywood: A Comparative Approach
The scope of the conference extends beyond simply mirroring the American #MeToo narrative. Researchers will be examining the French experience in relation to other art forms – television, journalism, literature, and theater – and comparing it to other national contexts, particularly the United States. This comparative approach is crucial for understanding the specific cultural and institutional factors at play in France. It’s about identifying what’s universal in the experience of harassment and abuse, and what’s uniquely shaped by local conditions. This is where strong SEO strategies become vital to reach a wider audience interested in these nuanced discussions.
Rereading the Canon: A Call for Vigilant Memory
A particularly compelling aspect of the conference is the emphasis on “rereading” works previously celebrated but now viewed through a more critical lens. Contextualizing these works – understanding their historical and cultural context – is seen as an imperative for building a “living, vigilant memory.” This isn’t about censorship; it’s about acknowledging the problematic aspects of the past and using that knowledge to inform a more ethical future. It’s a powerful reminder that art doesn’t exist in a vacuum and that even masterpieces can be complicit in harmful ideologies.
The conference is free to attend (subject to availability) at the Sorbonne Nouvelle Research Center, 4 rue des Irlandais, Athéna room, Paris. For more information and to download the conference program, contact Gwénaëlle Le Gras at [email protected].
This conference isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s a vital step towards creating a more equitable and accountable media landscape in France. It’s a testament to the power of research to challenge entrenched norms and to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced for too long. At archyde.com, we’ll continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available, offering in-depth analysis and breaking news coverage of the evolving #MeToo movement globally.
