Alain Guiraudie

movies trivia information textnnBack in 2004, someone got to sit on the jury for the Belfort International Film Festival—yeah, not a bad gig if you’re into movies and all the drama that comes with picking winners. Belfort isn’t your run-of-the-mill festival either; it’s kind of a big deal in the indie circuit, tucked away in France, the land where film snobs and cinephiles unite. The jury? They’re the ones who watch a ridiculous number of films, argue about which ones are actually good, and then have to agree (or pretends to) on who deserves the awards. In 2004, the selection was wild—new filmmakers, weird stories, probably a bunch of subtitles. Being on that jury means late nights, endless debates, and maybe a headache or two from all the artsy plot twists. But hey, in the end, you’re helping decide the future of some director who might become the next big thing. Not too shabby, right?

referencennSo, “Miséricorde” — that title just hit me right in the middle of writing the script. Weird how some words stick, right? Mercy isn’t just about forgiving someone. It’s like, bigger. It’s about feeling what someone else feels, getting where they’re coming from, even when the rules or morals say otherwise. That’s what the movie digs into—this old-school idea of actually reaching out and connecting with people, messy flaws and all. And honestly, “miséricorde” is one of those words nobody really throws around anymore. Feels almost ancient, but there’s something timeless about it, especially when you see it through the eyes of the priest in the story. He’s not just a side character; he’s the heartbeat of the whole thing. The film leans into that sense of empathy, stripping away judgment and letting you sit with what it means to actually care—no matter what.