A mother’s struggle: ‘The Courageous’ at TIFF
A new voice in narrative filmmaking
Ophélia Kolb, known for her role in “Call My Agent!”, takes on a challenging new role in “The Courageous” (“Les Courageux”), the debut narrative feature by Swiss-American director Jasmin Gordon. The film is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 10.
A story of resilience
Co-produced by Maximage and RTS Radio Télévision Suisse, this family drama centers on Jule, a single mother of three living in a picturesque small town surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests. Despite the serene setting, Jule’s life is far from peaceful. Haunted by past mistakes and a society that offers no second chances, she is determined to prove her worth to her children and herself.
From documentaries to fiction
Born in Los Angeles, Gordon’s journey to filmmaking is as compelling as her films. She studied Literature and Photography in the U.S. and France before graduating from Stanford University’s Documentary Film MA program in 2006. Her narrative and non-fiction shorts have been featured on television and at numerous film festivals, earning accolades along the way.
In an interview, Gordon shared insights into the transition from documentary to fiction filmmaking. “My background in documentary film is absolutely essential to my process as a fiction director,” she said. “Documentaries require patience and humility because real life often dictates the creative process. These qualities are just as useful in fiction filmmaking.”
Gordon’s documentary roots are evident in her obsession with naturalistic performances and capturing spontaneous moments on location. “It took me five years to make ‘The Courageous,’ from conception to post-production, and it required a whole lot of passion and determination,” she added.
The perfect casting
French actress Ophélia Kolb delivers a riveting performance as Jule. Gordon recalls, “I fell in love with Ophélia from our very first meeting. She was the ‘Jule’ we were looking for—an incredibly talented actress with a luminous and charismatic quality. She brought the necessary empathy and warmth to this unusual female portrait.”
A story with personal and political resonance
Gordon chose this particular story for her first feature because it resonated with her both personally and politically. “Telling a story about a woman and mother at odds with society and its conventions is very important to me,” she explained. “I wanted to portray a woman who exists in the grey area between morality and immorality, someone complex and courageous.”
The film’s narrative is a blend of personal experiences and imagination. Gordon and her co-writer, Julien Bouissoux, gathered anecdotes, scenes, and ideas to construct the story organically. “We have a lot of confidence in the way stories can have their own autonomy—how they can become something that is ours and also isn’t ours,” she said.
Working with young talent
Working with children is often cited as one of the most challenging aspects of filmmaking, and “The Courageous” was no exception. “It was an extremely challenging experience, but also tremendously rewarding,” Gordon said. “Children bring so much authenticity, wisdom, and joy.”
The casting process involved meeting approximately 80 children, and Gordon and her casting director, Minna Prader, quickly identified their three young talents. “They had such a presence and deep thoughts about life and their characters,” she noted. Despite their limited acting experience, the young actors brought a natural talent that added depth to the film.
A critique of social services
While Switzerland is known for its robust social safety net, Gordon wanted to highlight those who fall through the cracks. “Switzerland is a very prosperous and well-functioning country, but there are people who struggle to make ends meet,” she said. “Switzerland still feels very standardized and focused on the norm, which can be challenging for people who are different.”
Gordon aimed to write “The Courageous” in a geographically unspecific way to emphasize the universality of the story. “It’s about the importance of freeing oneself from the expectation and judgment of others,” she explained.
Nature as a character
The film’s setting in the lower Valais region of Switzerland adds another layer to the narrative. “The region is very beautiful but less groomed than other areas in Switzerland,” Gordon said. “I wanted to shoot the film in a place where the natural world is omnipresent and really wild.”
Nature in “The Courageous” serves as a symbolic element that attracts Jule and acts as a reminder of her inherent freedom. “I wanted the audience to feel that nature is almost taking over the small town,” Gordon said. “It’s a presence that speaks to Jule and reminds her of her freedom.”
Watch the trailer
For a glimpse into this compelling story, watch the trailer for “The Courageous”.
This article aims to provide an in-depth look at “The Courageous,” offering personal reflections and analysis for cinema enthusiasts. The film’s exploration of complex themes and its stunning natural setting make it a must-watch at this year’s TIFF.