The film Sarah Bernhardt, the Divine attacked by animal rights associations

« In 2024, it would be time to evolve and not repeat the mistakes of our predecessors! », Proclaims the association Projet Animaux Zoopolis (PAZ). Several anti-speciesist activists mobilized on the weekend of December 14 and 15 during previews in Strasbourg, Paris, Toulouse, Montpellier, Thillois, Lyon and Grenoble to raise public awareness against animal exploitation in Sarah Bernhardt, la Divine, which comes out in theaters on Wednesday.

In this biopic dedicated to one of the greatest French actresses, played by Sandrine Kiberlain, we see the star living with wild animals in her home. With this life anecdote, director Guillaume Nicloux wanted to get as close as possible to the reality and originality of Sarah Bernhardt. To shoot these scenes, at least two wild animals « were used », a lynx and a snake, according to information obtained by PAZ, confirmed by the production company Les Films du Kiosque. A choice of scenario criticized by activists. “Animals are not actors!” There are alternatives that are already used, such as image banks, visual effects or animatronics,” indicates Pierre, member of the association with The Union .

Pressure on filmmakers

“We are not here to prohibit people from seeing the film, simply to raise awareness among the general public about these animals who are locked up all their lives to participate in filming”he adds. The activists came accompanied by signs marked with the inscriptions “ animals imprisoned for life for filming » or even « animatronics, visual effects… Cinema does not need to exploit animals ».

Founded in 2017 by Amandine Sanvisens and Philippe Reigné, PAZ aims to “ help the cause of animals “. To do this, they raise awareness among elected officials and the general public about animal welfare, they explain on their website. In 2023, they conducted 7 surveys, 35 street mobilizations, made 768 interventions in the media and participated in 49 positions taken at the political level.