Feeling a mix of shock and sadness, Colinda Ferraud struggled to cope with the news of the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party’s success in the European elections. Living in the picturesque Cévennes range but witnessing the rise of RN in her community, Ferraud, a filmmaker and artistic project host, grappled with the conflicting emotions that the election results brought. Despite her efforts to engage with her local community through artistic initiatives, the reality of RN’s popularity in Le Vigan, where she resides, shook her deeply.
Reflecting on the region’s history of collective movements and resistance, Ferraud found solace in the solidarity demonstrated by the community during past challenges, such as protests against government reforms and hospital closures. Inspired by this sense of unity, she created a short film capturing the spirit of resistance she observed.
‘Rising from the Ashes’
Despite the wave of disappointment brought by RN’s success, Ferraud draws strength from the region’s rich history of activism and resilience. Moving forward, she remains committed to fostering connections and promoting social cohesion in her community, hoping to counter the tide of disillusionment that threatens to overshadow the region’s past achievements.