HBO in Production on Gisele Pelicot Documentary – Directed by Oscar-Winner Joanna Natasegara

HBO Documentary Films is currently in production on a film about Gisèle Pelicot, directed by Oscar®-winning filmmaker Joanna Natasegara (producer of “The White Helmets,” “The Disciple”), produced by Abigail Anketell-Jones (“The Disciple”) and Brenda Coughlin (HBO’s “Citizenfour,” “Dirty Wars”), and executive produced by Oscar®-winner Laura Poitras (“Cover Up,” HBO’s “Citizenfour”). The film will debut on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.

The untitled documentary follows Gisèle 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, inspiring widespread solidarity among survivors of sexual abuse.

With exclusive and in-depth access, the documentary will accompany Gisèle on her journey as she rebuilds her life, remaining determined to speak out for survivors of sexual violence everywhere.

Joanna Natasegara, director,

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

Credits: Directed and produced by Joanna Natasegara; produced by Abigail Anketell Jones and Brenda Coughlin; produced by Violet Films; edited by Sylvie Landra, executive producers Laura Poitras, Mariana Oliva, Marcos Nisti, Luana Lobo, Estela Renner, and Ana Lucia Villela for MFF & CO; James Costa and Trevor Burgess for Bird Street Productions; Chandra Jessee and Rebecca Lichtenfeld for InMaat; Maxyne Franklin and Sandra Whipham for Doc Society; and Jenny Warburg.