“A Place for Her” Offers Intimate Look at Parisian Women’s Shelter
Mélisa Godet’s debut feature, La maison des femmes (A Place for Her), premiered at the 2026 Glasgow Film Festival after screenings at the Marrakech International Film Festival and Filmfestival Oostende. The film, released in France on March 4, 2026, provides a sensitive portrayal of the staff and residents of a shelter supporting women who have experienced violence.
A Story Rooted in Reality
A Place for Her is set at a shelter on the outskirts of Paris that welcomes women who have suffered physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. The film focuses on the work of caregivers Diane (Karin Viard), Manon (Laetitia Dosch), Awa (Eye Haïdara), and Inès (Oulaya Amamra) as they provide support, medical assistance, and legal aid to the women seeking refuge there. The film as well explores the personal struggles of the caregivers themselves and the emotional toll their work takes on them.
Cast and Crew
The film stars Karin Viard, Laetitia Dosch, Eye Haïdara, and Oulaya Amamra. Additional cast members include Juliette Armanet, Pierre Deladonchamps, and Jean-Charles Clichet. Mélisa Godet directed the film, and the screenplay was co-written by Godet and Catherine Paillé.
Dosch’s Immersive Preparation
Laetitia Dosch, who plays Manon, prepared for her role by visiting the real Maison des femmes in Saint-Denis to meet with caregivers. She described her approach to character work as immersive, stating she likes to “inhabit” her roles fully, adopting their mannerisms and routines. [Cineuropa]
Themes and Reception
A Place for Her has been praised for its sensitive and realistic depiction of a vital social service. Critics have noted the film’s strength lies in its plot and screenplay, demonstrating that artistic success doesn’t always require breaking genre conventions. [Cineuropa] The film also raises questions about the relationship between caregivers and their work, and the challenges of maintaining boundaries between professional and personal life.
Technical Details
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes (110 minutes) and is in French. It was produced by Une Fille Productions and Pathé. [IMDb]
Where to Discover More Information
Keep reading