Une part du ciel (2002)
Directed by Bénédicte Liénard

Film Review

This noteworthy first film from Belgian director Bénédicte Liénard provides a sobering reflection of the grim reality experienced by many women in today's supposedly just and civilised society.  The film provocatively implies that factory workers are no better off than prison detainees: both groups are exploited and have to endure inhuman conditions day-in, day-out, and neither group has any real chance of being able to change things for the better.  Liénard's cold, slow, meditative approach conveys both the tortured monotony of the lives she is portraying, and a real sense of hopelessness.

The film's strong political undertone doesn't weaken its humanity, and some exceptional performances - notably from Séverine Caneele (who previously featured in Bruno Dumont's L'Humanité) - arouse in the spectator an overwhelming empathy with the characters we see in the film.  Whilst there is injustice in our society, there will always be a place in cinema for such no-nonsense social drama as this.

Film Synopsis

Claudine's days are spent folding pastries on a production line in a food processing factory.  A militant trades union leader, she strives to get better pay and working conditions from her employers, but progressively her union's influence is diminishing.  Unless the women want to lose their jobs in an increasingly competitive market, they must accept what the company has to offer them.  Meanwhile, Joanna, a friend of Claudine, is serving a stretch in prison after having been convicted of an act of violence.  Joanna works with other women prisoners in a workshop where they fold maps all day.  When she objects to her working conditions and paltry remuneration, she is forcefully reminded where she is.  Joanna's lawyer appeals to Claudine to provide witness testimony which may help to have her friend released from prison.  Claudine is mindful of the fact that if she does so, her influence as a union official will be further undermined.