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French Film About 1790s Vendee Uprising Premieres in Washington
A French historical film depicting resistance in western France during the 1790s received its U.S. premiere on Sunday. The screening took place at the Trump-Kennedy Center in Washington.
May 23, 1:49 PM·1m read1 source
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A French film titled "Victory or Death" premiered in the United States on Sunday at the Trump-Kennedy Center in Washington. The movie portrays events in the Vendee region of western France during the early 1790s. The film follows a naval officer who leads local residents against government forces after the execution of King Louis XVI.
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It shows fighting that continued for roughly one year before the officer's capture and execution.
Background of the depicted events The source material states that estimates of deaths in the Vendee region during this period range between 120,000 and 200,000. Methods of execution described include mass drownings of suspected rebels, including women and children. One quoted passage from a French general of the period claims the complete destruction of the region and its population.
Statements at the screening Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen, identified as Hungary's former ambassador to the Holy See, spoke at the screening. He said the story illustrates local identity and resistance to centralized authority. Brian Brown, identified as leader of the Louis IX Foundation, said the film shows people refusing to accept a new order imposed by the government.
Producer Guillaume Allaire of Innonde Films said the events contradict the prevailing historical account in France. The film has been re-released for streaming and DVD with English subtitles. Its backers stated they did not expect the movie to be shown in the United States.
