In the United States, the complex issue of prostitution persists despite its cultural diversity and economic dynamism. Laws vary from state to state, creating a disparate legal landscape that directly influences the well-being of sex workers. Some states adopt progressive approaches, focusing their legislation on protecting the rights of sex workers, while others maintain more restrictive and criminalizing laws. However, across the Atlantic, the documentary “The Venus Chained,” available on Prime Video and honored at the 2023 Student World Impact Film Festival, delves into the reality of prostitution in France and other European countries. Through the lens of the renowned association “Le Mouvement du Nid,” the film explores the French prostitution landscape, highlighting poignant testimonials from former sex workers who managed to break free with the help of Le Mouvement du Nid. In 2023, it was estimated that over 30,000 people were involved in prostitution in France, including 10,000 minors, underscoring persistent challenges in the fight against sexual exploitation.
The film was directed by the young filmmaker Guillaume Gevart, aged only 26, and produced by Dylan Besseau, also of the same age. They were supported by Jacob Rothschild, renowned for his patronage in the arts and culture and known for his sensitivity to societal and social issues. The director’s focus is on a complex and somewhat confidential subject, with few publicly available statistics due to the clandestine nature of the activity, making data establishment quite challenging. French legislation on prostitution has evolved over the years, aiming to strike a balance between recognizing the rights of sex workers and combating exploitation. In France, prostitution itself is not illegal, but certain activities related to it, such as pimping, engaging in the prostitution of a minor, and passive solicitation (actively soliciting paid sexual services in a public place), are offenses. The French law of April 13, 2016, on prostitution, also known as the “Vallaud-Belkacem Law,” marked a significant shift in legislative approach, criminalizing the purchase of sexual acts with a focus on demand rather than supply. It repealed the offense of passive solicitation, recognizing sex workers as victims and promoting measures for social support and reintegration. The legislation strengthened the fight against pimping, while including awareness-raising actions to change perceptions about prostitution. The 2016 law sparked passionate debates, reflecting the complexity of issues related to prostitution and the efforts to balance the protection of individual rights with the fight against exploitation. However, the 2016 law, far from being universally accepted, sparked polarized opinions, with former French Minister of Justice Jacques Toubon deeming it “useless” due to its limited enforcement. This controversial perspective is also explored by lawyer Anne Bouillon in the documentary.
Guillaume and Dylan sought to share this initiative with the younger generation by participating in the Student World Impact Film Festival, where their film “The Venus Chained” received an honorable mention, standing out among over 13,000 films and resonating with both students and professors. Beyond its emotional impact, the documentary also played an educational role, opening the door to new reflections within the younger generation. The production of this film required little means, carrying only a camera and a microphone. The two filmmakers compiled several interviews and brought together various testimonies. A deep and intimidating voice guides us through the narrative, and for 52 minutes, we are plunged into the heart of a terrifying subject, blending various interventions, questions, and answers that we invite you to discover or rediscover.
Author : Julie Hofman
