French actress Sandrine Bonnaire stars in Sylvie Meyer’s documentary Le Monde à l’endroit alongside her theatrical run in Sarah Kane’s 4.48 Psychose at the Théâtre de l’Atelier. Bonnaire balances a four-decade screen career with ongoing advocacy against domestic and sexual violence, while also navigating the financial hurdles facing contemporary French cinema funding.
Sandrine Bonnaire Portrays Psychiatrist Muriel Salmona in Le Monde à l’endroit
The film features psychiatric protocols developed by Dr. Muriel Salmona to aid survivors of childhood sexual and sexist violence. Bonnaire shares screen versions of Dr. Salmona alongside fellow actresses Isild Le Besco and Marianne Denicourt.
Bonnaire stated in an interview with Franceinfo Culture that she accepted the role to elevate voices that remain buried or marginalized by a lack of public media access. She engaged directly with former soccer player Melissa Plaza, who appears in the documentary to recount her experiences. Bonnaire noted that Plaza’s background in sports and prior media exposure helped smooth the collaborative dynamic on set.
Stage Work in 4.48 Psychose at the Théâtre de l’Atelier
Alongside her documentary release, Bonnaire stars in a solo stage production of 4.48 Psychose by British playwright Sarah Kane.
Bonnaire previously collaborated with Osinski on L’Amante anglaise.
Funding Pressures and Cultural Policy in French Cinema
Reflecting on her career since 1983, Bonnaire addressed the systemic economic challenges currently affecting the French film industry. She explained that securing production budgets for ambitious projects has grown increasingly difficult, noting that even high-profile actresses struggle to find financing as budgets shrink and television platforms shift viewer habits.
Bonnaire defended the ongoing necessity of the Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC), emphasizing that cultural output generates economic returns and fosters social cohesion. She cautioned that neglecting the arts carries significant societal costs.
Advocacy Against Violence and Public Disclosure
A vocal proponent of the #MeToo movement and survivor advocacy, Bonnaire discussed her personal history with domestic abuse and her ongoing efforts to speak publicly about trauma.
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