Stories of A, directed by Charles Belmont and Marielle Issartel, is an 89-minute black-and-white documentary that captures the feminist fight for abortion rights in Paris in 1973. Originally intended as an educational film, it evolved into a powerful feature-length classic that was immediately banned upon release. Activists, however, ingeniously circumvented this censorship by creating an underground distribution network, effectively turning the film into an act of civil disobedience.
The documentary highlights the dire consequences of illegal abortions, including death and sterility, which prompted a group of doctors to offer free abortions openly. The film provides an intimate look into this movement, featuring meetings between women and doctors, and showing the procedures being performed. It also documents street demonstrations outside hospitals, where women faced police repression.
Stories of A amplifies the voices of those directly affected by restrictive abortion laws, including a high school girl in a shelter, two Algerian women with numerous children, and Aïcha, a disabled immigrant woman on a hunger strike who both opens and closes the film.
Recently restored, Stories of A serves as a poignant historical document and a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for reproductive rights. It is a significant contribution to Women's Studies, Human Rights, Health Issues, and Social Movements, highlighting the critical importance of access to safe and legal abortion. The film's release in 2024 reaffirms its relevance in contemporary discussions on women's health and political activism.
While Stories of A will appeal most to French speakers, anyone interested in abortion rights, historical documentaries, or leftist organizing will want to see this stunning classic documentary. It’s not for the particularly squeamish, as the camera watches several abortions take place and gives a lot of screen time to intimate discussions about the procedure. This doesn’t diminish it’s broad appeal by much, as most of the film’s focus is the activism, politics, and morality surrounding the still much-debated topic of abortion. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Stories of A would be most appropriately placed in several sections of a public library to reflect its multifaceted themes and historical significance. First, it should be on French-language shelves since the documentary is originally in French and would be of interest to those studying the language or looking for authentic cultural materials. It would also belong in the Women’s Studies section, as it deals directly with feminist movements, reproductive rights, and women’s health, highlighting the activism around abortion rights. Furthermore, given its powerful focus on political and social movements, it should also be on the Activism and Social Movements documentary shelves, offering insight into grassroots political resistance and civil disobedience. Finally, considering its significant contribution to the history of reproductive rights, it would also fit well under Health Issues, particularly in the context of women's health and the historical fight for safe and legal abortion access.
What kind of college instructor could use this title?
Stories of A could be a valuable resource for various college courses due to its rich historical, political, and cultural content. For French language instructors, this documentary could be used to support courses on French culture, history, or language, particularly in the context of 20th-century social issues. It provides an excellent opportunity for students to explore French-speaking culture and its connection to global movements. Additionally, instructors teaching Women’s Studies, Gender Studies, or Reproductive Rights would find this film highly relevant. It’s an excellent tool for discussing issues surrounding abortion, feminist activism, and women's health, both historically and in modern contexts. The film also offers a compelling perspective for courses on Political Science or Social Movements, especially those focusing on civil disobedience, grassroots organizing, or the fight for human rights. Finally, for Health Policy or Public Health courses, it could serve as an essential historical resource to show the dire consequences of restrictive abortion laws and the need for safe medical procedures.