Acclaimed Author's Work Shines in Student-Driven Documentary

In October 2025, filmmaker Claire Simon's documentary "Writing Life - Annie Ernaux Through the Eyes of High School Students" premiered at the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival. The film explores the work of French Nobel Literature Prize winner Annie Ernaux, but not through the author herself. Instead, Simon chose to focus solely on Ernaux's writing, showing high school students reading and discussing her books.

Simon explains that her goal was to tell Ernaux's story without the author present, allowing the students' reactions and interpretations to take center stage. The young viewers are deeply moved by Ernaux's honest, modern style, particularly her works like "A Girl's Story" that delve into sensitive topics like sexuality. One student remarks that hearing these personal accounts read aloud gives Ernaux's words "so much power."

Surprisingly, Ernaux herself ended up joining Simon in Venice for the world premiere, wanting to support the film. Simon notes that while she typically avoids "portraits of artists," she believes documentaries can empower youth to make their own films, even without the involvement of famous figures.

The documentary showcases Simon's passion for amplifying young voices and perspectives. She recalls previous projects where she built trust with her subjects, allowing them to open up authentically. In "Writing Life," the students feel comfortable sharing their unfiltered reactions, demonstrating the power of listening and genuine interest.

As Simon says, these young people, especially the girls, are "clever and strong" - a sentiment that shines through in her celebration of Ernaux's impactful writing and the next generation of filmmakers.