PLUS JAMAIS (NEVER AGAIN), 4min., Switzerland/France
Directed by Valérie de Montmollin
"Plus jamais" deals with the violence I have experienced. I want to encourage women who are still in situations of severe abuse not to lose hope, and to seek help to find a way out—because it is possible to get out.

https://www.instagram.com/valeriedemontmollin/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I released my biography (https://www.valeriedemontmollin.ch/order-form/ ) in November 2025 together with my new song ´Plus jamais' and its music clip which you awarded as BEST STORY 2026 - thank you so much for this. Why did I make it? I wanted to visualise domestic violence just as I experience it myself. I was and still am the CEO of my own business, I wasn't exactly the profile you would think would suffer of such circonstances. I want to help break this tabou and stigmatisation.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I am quite efficient, so maybe 2 months?

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Authentic, esthetic.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
I wanted the actors to be credible and really interpret my true story reflecting our characters and personalities.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I loved the feedback because it was so well worded and said with empathy yet still pragmatic.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
When I wrote the song it was clear to me that a music video needed to be produced too.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Walt Disney's / Pixar's 'Nemo' with my daughter when she was small. Again and again.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Spread the word and dispatch the message.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It was easy to submit and FilmFreeway was very supportive when I faced difficulties with one of the Festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?
I am sitting in Paris in an excellent Indian restaurant as I write these sentences - I love Indian food.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Tomorrow, that's why I am in Paris, I am recording a new song 'Touchée' (Touched). It is about incest, another topic close to my heart. I might produce a video clip as well - surprise surprise, stay tuned.