Bataclan Terror Attack Drama Director Rejects 'Indecency' Accusations Over Filming Location.
The director of a new TV mini-series about survivors of the 2015 Bataclan terror attack, Des Vivants, has rejected accusations that filming in the theatre was "indecent" and insensitive to those who suffered during the tragedy.
Jean-Xavier de Lestrade argued that the seven survivors who told their stories were adamant on being filmed inside the Bataclan theatre, as they had been among the only people to directly encounter the terrorists. Lestrade stated he could not accept filming elsewhere, describing it as "trickery". He insisted that the scenes would be recreated in a way that was as close as possible to the real accounts of the survivors.
Des Vivants is an eight-part docudrama that tells the story of seven men and women trying to rebuild their lives after being held hostage by Islamist gunmen during a concert at the Bataclan. The series premiered this week, marking the 10th anniversary of the coordinated wave of mass shootings and suicide bombings in Paris that left 130 people dead and over 490 injured.
According to Lestrade, filming in the theatre was not an easy decision but had been made with the consent of the seven survivors. He stated that the production team failed to obtain permission initially and only agreed after the hostages wrote a joint letter requesting authorisation.
However, some have expressed concerns over filming in the Bataclan, including Arthur Dénouveaux, president of the Life for Paris association representing many survivors of the attacks. Dénouveaux described the scenes as "indecent" and said that they blurred the lines between fiction and reality.
Despite these accusations, Lestrade remains committed to telling the story of the survivors, arguing that it was essential to be honest and truthful in portraying their experiences.
The director of a new TV mini-series about survivors of the 2015 Bataclan terror attack, Des Vivants, has rejected accusations that filming in the theatre was "indecent" and insensitive to those who suffered during the tragedy.
Jean-Xavier de Lestrade argued that the seven survivors who told their stories were adamant on being filmed inside the Bataclan theatre, as they had been among the only people to directly encounter the terrorists. Lestrade stated he could not accept filming elsewhere, describing it as "trickery". He insisted that the scenes would be recreated in a way that was as close as possible to the real accounts of the survivors.
Des Vivants is an eight-part docudrama that tells the story of seven men and women trying to rebuild their lives after being held hostage by Islamist gunmen during a concert at the Bataclan. The series premiered this week, marking the 10th anniversary of the coordinated wave of mass shootings and suicide bombings in Paris that left 130 people dead and over 490 injured.
According to Lestrade, filming in the theatre was not an easy decision but had been made with the consent of the seven survivors. He stated that the production team failed to obtain permission initially and only agreed after the hostages wrote a joint letter requesting authorisation.
However, some have expressed concerns over filming in the Bataclan, including Arthur Dénouveaux, president of the Life for Paris association representing many survivors of the attacks. Dénouveaux described the scenes as "indecent" and said that they blurred the lines between fiction and reality.
Despite these accusations, Lestrade remains committed to telling the story of the survivors, arguing that it was essential to be honest and truthful in portraying their experiences.
I mean, can you imagine how traumatic those scenes must've been for the survivors? 
Filming there might seem like a good idea, but honestly, it's kinda messed up that they had to beg for permission first... I get why Lestrade wouldn't budge, but maybe he could've found another way to tell their story without making everyone uncomfortable. 
. The director did a good job in listening to them and trying to recreate what happened as accurately as possible. It's not about getting sympathy or attention, but about keeping the memories of those who lost their lives alive 
. I hope it brings some closure for the families and loved ones of the victims 
.
I mean, who wouldn't want to relive the trauma of being held hostage by terrorists? 
It's not like they're still trying to pick up the pieces of their lives or anything. Filming in the actual theatre where the massacre happened seems like a pretty bold move, but hey, if the survivors wanted it done that way, who are we to argue? 
The whole 'trickery' thing just sounds like a fancy way of saying 'we didn't get permission'. Not exactly the most convincing argument from the director's side. 
like, can u imagine being in that space again? 
it's good that the director stuck to what the survivors wanted tho 
and I hope they get an amazing response to their series 
. While I can understand why some might find it insensitive to recreate such traumatic events on camera 
, I think the director's stance is well-justified 
.
. To compromise on the accuracy of the story would be disingenuous and might even perpetuate the notion that these events were just another fictional narrative 
.
, so it's reasonable for the director to take a stand on this issue 
. The fact remains that this series is an attempt to shed light on a significant event in history, and that deserves our respect and attention 
.
And now these survivors are saying it was "indecent" and insensitive? I get why they'd feel that way... but can't we just focus on telling their stories without sensationalizing it? 
. plus, they literally got to decide where the filming would go and how its done 
The fact that some people are saying it's "indecent" just 'cause it's in a theatre where the attack happened is pretty harsh imo. I think it's great that he's committed to telling their story truthfully - even if it makes some people uncomfortable 
I mean, it's not like survivors' PTSD is something to be taken lightly or anything. And honestly, if these scenes are really that "decidedly indecent", maybe the director should try filming in a more "neutral" location... like a completely different country or something 
. I think this whole thing is a cover-up, and he's just trying to spin it to make himself look good 
. The scenes were done in the theatre for a reason - because they wanted to be as "real" as possible, but what if that's not what really happened? What if there's more to the story than we know? 
I'm gonna keep an eye on this one 
.
... I mean, I get it, they wanna tell the story and show the world what really happened, but filming in Bataclan? That's just weird, you know? I was there when the news came out about the attacks, it was like the whole city was in shock 
. You're right, though, the survivors did want to be filmed inside the theatre, and that's gotta count for something. But at the same time, I can see why some people would think it's insensitive or indecent