Louise Violet

In 1889, Louise Violet, a woman marked by a painful past, is sent by the republican government to an isolated village in the French countryside to establish the first public school in the area. Her mission is to implement the secular, free, and compulsory education system established by Jules Ferry's laws, a reform aimed at universalizing education and emancipating future generations. However, her arrival is met with hostility and skepticism from the locals, who believe that education interrupts farming work and threatens their traditions.

Throughout the film, Louise faces resistance from figures such as Rémy, the village patriarch, and Joseph, the mayor, portrayed by Jérémy Lopez and Grégory Gadebois, respectively. Her struggle is not only against the community's distrust but also against her own personal demons, as her past as a survivor of the Paris Commune gives her exceptional strength and determination.

Louise Violet is not only a tribute to the early republican teachers but also a reflection on the importance of education as a tool for progress and social unity. Through Louise's story, Besnard invites the viewer to question resistance to change and to value the transformative power of knowledge.

The film has been recognized for its historical accuracy and its ability to address current issues, such as the fight for gender equality and access to education. It has received praise for its direction, performances, and for keeping alive the memory of those who fought for republican ideals in times of adversity.