French arts programme examines refugee narratives in new film 'The Silent Run'

The arts24 programme on France 24 aired a review segment on 29 April 2026 that centred on the thematic representation of displacement in contemporary cinema. The broadcast examined Marta Bergman's new film, The Silent Run, which depicts a harrowing incident involving a refugee.

Critic Manon Kerjean provided the primary analysis during the segment, describing the work as a powerful and haunting portrayal of the terrifying scenarios that many refugees face. The discussion focused on how the film constructs a narrative around these specific experiences rather than offering a generic overview of migration.

Beyond the primary feature, the broadcast reviewed Alain Gomis's film Dao, which examines family rites and rituals in Guinea-Bissau. This inclusion suggests a broader editorial interest in how different cinematic works address social structures and cultural practices within specific geopolitical contexts.

The segment also covered Laure Calamy and Vincent Macaigne's film What is Love?, which features a separated couple revisiting their past in Rome. The review noted the film's negotiation of bittersweet moments and belly laughs, contrasting the tone with the serious subject matter of the refugee narrative.

By grouping these disparate narratives under a single review umbrella, the arts24 programme highlights the diversity of current French film output. The broadcast serves as a platform for discussing how cinema engages with complex human situations, from the tragic realities of displacement to the intricacies of family and relationships.

The segment concluded by reinforcing the significance of these portrayals in the wider cultural discourse. Through the lens of critic Manon Kerjean, the programme underscored the importance of accurate and emotionally resonant storytelling in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.