In the wake of Black History Month, the French film “Athena” by Romain Gavras uses the representation of marginalized groups to bring a new perspective to the discussion regarding police brutality.
Amidst ongoing fights for equality throughout 2022, Gavras and his film crew discovered a small community in Essonne, France. From there all of their extras and even some of their main characters were hired which brings a special and unique quality to the film.
“90% of our cast is made of people from the neighborhood, we almost got everyone involved, from the cast to the catering and the set design,” Gavras said in a 2022 edition of Variety Magazine.
By incorporating individuals from the community into the filmmaking process, “Athena” serves as more than just a cinematic work; it becomes a historical record and a tribute to an underrepresented place and community.
The commune of Évry-Courcouronnes, an apartment complex housing mainly individuals of color in which the movie was filmed, was scheduled for demolition. In the mini-documentary “Making Athena,” extras coordinator Tarek Haddarji stated, “Soon, that block won’t be there. And with this film, we’ll have a record of the block.”
In many urban areas like this, gentrification and redevelopment can drastically alter the area, erasing the physical and cultural markers of a community’s history. However, these communities can assert their presence through projects like “Athena” and preserve their story. By immortalizing their neighborhood on screen, they create a lasting testament to their existence and significance.
The film itself is a striking depiction of the cycle of revenge. It follows three brothers, Moktar, Abdel and Karim, after the brutal murder of their younger brother, Idir, presumably at the hands of police officers. In “Making Athena,” Gavras said, “‘Athena’ tells the story of brotherhood torn apart. So the archetype is someone who wants to burn it all down.”
Each brother plays his role in raising hell in the Athena community. Moktar, the eldest, is a merchant who “protects his own interests,” said Gavras. Abdel, the middle brother, is a military officer who despises violence but becomes what he hates. The youngest, Karim, wants to burn everything to the ground to achieve justice.
Through the portrayal of these characters and their struggles, “Athena” dares to confront the uncomfortable truths of underrepresented communities and what happens to people when consumed by revenge. It serves to represent the victims affected by such brutality, but also to warn them of the possible dangers of reckless revenge.
“Athena” serves as a powerful indictment of police brutality, thrusting viewers into the heart of a community torn apart by the tragic loss of a young life. By delving into the emotional fallout of police violence on individuals and communities, the film humanizes the victims that are often reduced to statistics. It represents the real-life experiences of victims of abused authority and brutality.
Amid a worldwide call for action against inequality, the film serves as an emotional demand for justice and solidarity. Movies like “Athena” are the beginning of a larger discussion of collaboration. Humans cannot fight against each other to achieve freedom and justice, rather we must come together to advocate for ourselves and our fellow people. Only then can we progress as a society.
Dee Cohen is a sophomore majoring in English literature and minoring in French.
