An Encounter with Simone Weil

Synopsis

An Encounter with Simone Weil’s dramatic story is revealed through contemporary footage of places Weil lived and worked, interviews with key people in Weil’s life and legacy, and intimate vérité footage of the filmmaker’s family. Intercut with this material is 1930s archival footage, previously unseen photos of Weil, and excerpts of her writings. Still not satisfied, the filmmaker finds an actress to quite literally conjure Weil up. Drawing on current news and observational footage, Julia’s narration draws provocative comparisons between Weil’s insight and the world today. The result: a deeply moving and unique film about what it means to bear witness to suffering, both near and far.

Director Biography

Makes expressionistic documentaries about contemporary and historical subjects. She is producer/director of the highly acclaimed Worlds Apart (2003) series about cross-cultural medicine, and producer of the companion hour-long documentary Hold Your Breath (2005), which broadcast on PBS in 2007.