Reframing remembrance: Contemporary French cinema and the Second World War

Reframing remembrance examines films about the Nazi Occupation of France, charting how this period has been commemorated and how it has affected the articulation of French national identity. The book proposes that 1995 marked the beginning of a new approach to commemoration, reflected by socio-political acts, such as Jacques Chirac’s July 1995 Vél’ d’Hiv speech, and artistic acts, most notably films set during the Occupation. This is an approach that embraces critical engagement with history and its retelling. With relevance to countries beyond France and events far removed from the Second World War, Reframing remembrance highlights the need for ongoing, honest remembrance and self-reflection as cultural representations of history continue to shape contemporary views about nations’ identities and their global responsibilities.