The Choletais Film Club is organizing an exceptional film debate for the 70th anniversary of Abbé Pierre’s appeal, launched on Radio Luxembourg (today RTL) on 1er February 1954. See you Thursday, May 30 (7:30 p.m.) at the CGR Arcades Rougé multiplex for the film “L’Abbé Pierre: une vie de combats” by Frédéric Tellier with Benjamin Lavernhe in the role of Abbé Pierre. Role which earned him a César for best actor. At the end of the film, a debate will take place around the figure of Abbé Pierre and his legacy. Please note that places will be sold for one euro more in order to give this amount back to the Emmaüs community in Cholet.
He made history
Born into a wealthy family, Henri Grouès – the real name of Abbé Pierre – was at the same time resistance fighter, deputy, defender of the homeless, revolutionary and iconoclast. From the benches of the National Assembly to the slums of the Paris suburbs, his commitment to the weakest has earned him international fame. The creation of Emmaüs and the tidal wave of his unforgettable appeal in the winter of 1954 made him an icon. Yet every day he doubted his actions. His frailties, his suffering, his barely credible intimate life remained unknown to the general public. Revolted by poverty and injustice, often criticized, sometimes betrayed, Henri Grouès had a thousand lives and fought a thousand battles. He made history under the name he chose for himself: Abbé Pierre.
