Writing Life – Annie Ernaux Through the Eyes of High School Students

High school students in various regions of France—including a Paris suburb, Toulouse and Cayenne, French Guiana—discuss the work of French author Annie Ernaux (b. 1940). The 2022 Nobel laureate is renowned for her crystal-clear, relatable portrayals of life's events—from the everyday to the momentous. She spares no detail in unfiltered accounts of her experiences, whether it’s a trip to the supermarket or an abortion.

The camera observes students discussing her work and the parallels they see in their own lives. Ernaux’s work, which often explores themes such as class differences and social inequality, prompts students to reflect on their own backgrounds and on their parents’ lives.

The film alternates between the classroom—where students read and discuss passages together—and scenes of daily life at school and on the playground. Ernaux is clearly an inspiration for the students, who openly share their own mistakes, dreams and dilemmas on camera.