HBO In Production On Gisèle Pelicot Documentary

• HBO Documentary Films is currently in production on a film about Gisèle Pelicot, directed by Oscar^®-winning filmmaker Joanna Natasegara (producer of “The White Helmets,” “The Disciple”), produced by Abigail Anketell-Jones (“The Disciple”) and Brenda Coughlin (HBO’s “Citizenfour,” “Dirty Wars”), and executive produced by Oscar^®-winner Laura Poitras (“Cover Up,” HBO’s “Citizenfour”). The film will debut on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.

   

• Synopsis: The untitled documentary follows Gisèle Pelicot, a French woman who survived a decade of abuse after her husband drugged her and arranged for dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious. In 2024, 51 men were convicted in what became one of France’s largest sexual violence trials. By waiving her anonymity and speaking publicly, Pelicot drew global media attention and sparked meaningful conversations about consent and accountability, inspiring widespread solidarity among survivors of sexual abuse.

   

  With exclusive and in-depth access, the documentary will accompany Gisèle on her journey as she rebuilds her life, remaining determined to speak out for survivors of sexual violence everywhere. 

   

• Joanna Natasegara, director, quote: “Gisèle’s decision to stand up and speak for survivors of sexual violence everywhere is simply an awe-inspiring act of courage. The film is a testimony to her insistence on dignity, her resolute refusal to be defined by the crimes committed against her, and how France and the rest of the world choose to respond to her bravery. From the day I learned about her story, I felt a responsibility to help to tell it.”

   

• Credits: Directed and produced by Joanna Natasegara; produced by Abigail Anketell Jones and Brenda Coughlin; produced by Violet Films; edited by Sylvie Landra, executive producers Laura Poitras, Mariana Oliva, Marcos Nisti, Luana Lobo, Estela Renner, and Ana Lucia Villela for MFF & CO; James Costa and Trevor Burgess for Bird Street Productions; Chandra Jessee and Rebecca Lichtenfeld for InMaat; Maxyne Franklin and Sandra Whipham for Doc Society; and Jenny Warburg. 

   

About Violet Films

Violet Films is a London-based production company founded by Academy Award^®-winning filmmaker Joanna Natasegara. Violet’s body of work finds the political in the personal, capturing global issues with an intimate lens. Its productions include the Oscar^®-winning The White Helmets; the Oscar^®-nominated The Edge of Democracy; and the BAFTA and Oscar^®-nominated Virunga. Violet’s current production slate includes Natasegara’s directorial debut, The Disciple, which will have its world premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, and the scripted adaptation of Virunga, written by Academy Award®-winner Barry Jenkins, and produced by Natasegara alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson and Phillip Watson of Appian Way. 

About InMaat 

InMaat believes that gender justice is key to creating a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. We know that where balance, harmony and justice prevail, progress accelerates across all areas of social, economic and environmental development. We want a future where everyone is treated justly, where human rights are universally respected, and where every person has the opportunity to fulfill their unique potential.

About Bird Street 

Bird Street’s mission is to make films that captivate and sharpen how people think. We pursue 

stories that reveal what others miss, question accepted narratives, and invite audiences to draw

their own conclusions. Anchored in science-based leadership and first-principles reasoning, we aim to elevate discourse, reward intellectual curiosity, and leave viewers more capable understanding the world.

Principals James Costa and Trevor Burgess have collectively produced over 50 documentaries including Apocalypse in the Tropics and All the Empty Rooms.

About Doc Society

Doc Society is a global non profit with team based in Europe, East Africa and the Americas. For 21 years we have worked to directly resource the most exciting independent documentary filmmakers in the world, regranting over $30 million to over 530 teams. 

Beyond the right of artists to self-expression, we are focused on the right of all citizens to access media in the public interest, and are working to imagine distribution systems fit for the technological and political challenges of the 21st century.

About MFF & CO

MFF & CO is a global entertainment studio grounded in the belief that good stories make life better. Its diverse slate is built to connect deeply with local audiences while resonating globally. The company originated from the international expansion of Maria Farinha Filmes, a leading impact entertainment company in Latin America. MFF & CO holds a stake in Violet Films.

Together, MFF & CO in Los Angeles, Maria Farinha Filmes in São Paulo, and Violet Films in London form a collective that crafts compelling narratives reaching broad audiences worldwide.