In her third documentary film, Montreal-based filmmaker of Togolese origin, Gentille M. Assih, turns her attention to her endearing friends Christiane and Kafui. Both mothers from West Africa, these women experienced domestic violence after arriving in Quebec. Immigration brings profound changes to family and couple dynamics, particularly when a woman becomes one of the household’s providers.

The filmmaker follows her friends through the aftermath of their separations. Their stories unfold naturally, emerging through their daily activities and conversations with Gentille. This closeness to the protagonists gives the film an intimate and deeply human quality.

For Kafui and Christiane, who come from cultures where divorce is rare, one can only imagine the emotional journey they undertook to break free from their abusive partners. “We are made to believe that a woman is defined by marriage,” says Kafui.

One striking scene in the documentary encapsulates the challenges faced by Christiane and Kafui. It shows the filmmaker meeting a representative from the Centre de développement socioculturel Balimaya in Montreal, an organization that facilitates immigrant integration. During the interview, the man claims that if a married woman is beaten—or even killed—by her husband, it is because she provoked him. By making such a statement, he shifts the responsibility for the violence onto the victim. His words are chilling, especially given that his role is to counsel immigrant couples facing relationship difficulties.

Fortunately, Christiane and Kafui found the strength to break free from this darkness. “A matter of life and death,” says Christiane.

The film ends on bright, joyful scenes where the women are surrounded by support and fulfillment. It celebrates their courageous journey to reclaim their lives. And in the end, we think: “Their joy was not taken from them.”

Christine Chevarie
Filmmaker