AFFFF25: Miss Violet

Australian Premiere

Set in the picturesque Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Eric Besnard’s (A Great Friend, AF FFF24) historical drama offers an intimate look at rural life where tradition and progress collide. 

In 1889, a rural village is confronted with something dangerous: the free, secular, and mandated schooling of the French Republic. Tasked with educating the village’s children, Louise Violet (Alexandra Lamy) faces a hostile reception. Fearful of change and distrustful of anything that might distract their children from farm work, the forceful mayor Pierre Lecomte (Grégory Gadebois, A Great Friend, AF FFF24) makes one thing clear: if she wants to win the villagers over, she’ll have to speak their language.

As winter deepens and tensions rise, Miss Violet must confront a darker truth: while education serves as a bridge, some divides are personal. Facing the villagers means confronting herself, and some secrets can't stay buried forever. Louise may be the teacher, but she has lessons to learn too. What can the village teach her?

Rich in costumes and natural, seasonal light, Miss Violet is a sumptuous exploration of how education can both disrupt and awaken. A simmering study of resilience, regret and opportunity, this film is a must-see for anyone who believes in the transformative power of education.