HBO Begins Production on Gisèle Pelicot Documentary

HBO Documentary Films is currently in production on a documentary about Gisèle Pelicot, directed by Joanna Natasegara.

“Gisèle’s decision to stand up and speak for survivors of sexual violence everywhere is simply an awe-inspiring act of courage,” said Natasegara. “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.”

The untitled documentary is produced by Abigail Anketell-Jones and Brenda Coughlin and executive produced by Laura Poitras. The film will debut on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.

The documentary follows 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.