By the Grace of God + Q&A

When Alexandre (Melvil Poupaud) learns that the priest who assaulted him decades ago at a scouts’ camp still works with young people, he tells his family what happened and seeks out other victims so that the Church will take action. Even as others are persuaded to speak out, however, the Catholic establishment starts dragging its feet. Meticulously chronicling events with a linear narrative that boldly switches protagonists in order to explore different aspects of French society, experience and attitude, Ozon creates a powerful, quietly polemical drama that reveals both the enduring consequences of child abuse and the complacent complicity of the Church. Terrific performances – particularly from Poupaud, Ménochet and, as the ageing offender, Bernard Verley – and nuanced direction won it the Berlinale’s Grand Jury Prize.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with actor Denis Menochet

See it also at Ciné Lumière from 25 Oct.

To book your tickets for the screening at Ciné Lumière, visit the BFI London Film Festival here and select the screening at Ciné Lumière.