Simone: Woman of the Century

<p><img alt="Laurel icon denoting the film is in competition for a Jury Prize." border="0" src="https://data.ajff.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/laurel_2023_JuryPrize_01.png" style="width:20%; max-width:20%; margin-left:10px; float:right;" />Among the most transformative figures of her era, French-Jewish politician and human rights champion Simone Veil’s extraordinary life story is venerated in this stately, inspiring biopic. Decisively shaped by the horrors of Auschwitz, this strong-willed but compassionate crusader devoted her life to human rights and social justice. As health minister and European Parliament president, she battled to decriminalize abortion in France and protect society’s marginalized, including AIDS victims, immigrants and prisoners. With splendid portrayals by Rebecca Marder and César-winner Elsa Zylberstein across a series of non-chronological memories, this monumental epic charts a trailblazing feminist icon who challenged and reshaped her era, and whose legacy is still keenly relevant today.</p>