The placebo effect has long enjoyed a sulphurous reputation. To attribute a cure to the placebo effect was to consider that the illness was the result of the state of mind of an imaginary patient. If the patient had invented his ailment, he could well invent his cure. And yet, the more medicine refines its diagnoses and therapies, the more seriously the placebo effect is taken as a therapeutic option. Science has recently demonstrated that the placebo effect modifies physiological parameters. Through rigorous investigation, this film takes a fresh look at our formidable power of self-healing. On VOD
In 1982, the discovery by Pr. Etienne Baulieu of the RU-486 pill (RU for Roussel-Uclaf) is stirring up the most passionate passions, seven years after the Veil law. This was followed by many years of relentless struggle until the product was finally brought to market. Taken hostage by abortion advocates, this revolutionary pill is still the subject of a virulent controversy that is never based on scientific or medical grounds, but always on religion and ideology. In France, but also in Germany, Italy, Spain and the United States, women’s rights advocates are mobilizing to counter vehement and often highly structured opposition. Why was, and still is, such a controversy surrounding medicated abortion, which is less invasive and aggressive, less costly and less delayed than surgery? A look back at a never-ending struggle for women’s right to control their own reproduction. Preview On VOD
For the public, a coma is a sleeping patient who we don’t know if he’ll ever wake up. And while the Greek kôma means “deep sleep”, the medical reality is more complex. Drawing on the testimonies of doctors, researchers, families and patients, this documentary attempts to unravel the mysteries of the brain and consciousness… David, in a coma following a head injury, arrives at the hospital. Several months later, he gradually came back to life. So many moments of doubt, worry and happiness…. For Jill, the awakening process seems to have stopped. It will be examined by Europe’s leading brain specialist: Steven Laureys. For the first time, it presents the tests that enable precise assessment of a patient’s level of consciousness. Arnaud and Nicola, after weeks in a severe coma, woke up with some after-effects. At Garches, they underwent a lengthy rehabilitation program and made their slow return to life. Preview
A highly sensitive film on a taboo subject: how to free the word of those around alcoholics, and how to help them. Through discussion groups for teenagers and adults, director Kristell Menez works to promote listening and understanding. Preview
Screening with directors Cécile & Sophie Four women, four lives put on hold by breast cancer. Amel, Martine, Nadia and Sonia bear witness for all those who see the opening of this parenthesis, this suspended time of life with its anxieties, its suffering and also its moments of happiness. La [vie] in parentheses features four women from different backgrounds and worlds, all of whom are coping with breast cancer. Followed by our cameras for several weeks, our four heroines share their experiences and tackle every aspect of the disease: from screening to remission, including the diagnosis, treatments and their side effects, life during cancer, difficulties encountered (couple, children, professional activity), preventive measures, reconstruction… This film delivers a message of life and hope that every woman confronted with breast cancer and those around her should hear. Preview
