Writing Life – Annie Ernaux Through the Eyes of High School Students

This documentary examines the impact of Annie Ernaux, the first French woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature and a significant figure in modern feminism. Rather than a traditional biography, the film explores how her work is taught and perceived in educational settings. By focusing on the perspectives of teachers and high school students in France and other locations, the film illustrates how her writing on individual and collective emancipation resonates with young people and reflects their own lives.

Claire Simon directed the film, which follows her previous works Ça brûle and Elementary. The production was a collaborative effort involving France Télévisions, CNC, Les Films Hatari, and Rosebud Productions, with Emmanuel Perreau and Michel Klein serving as producers. Released on May 8, 2026, the French production has a runtime of 90 minutes.