“Fanon”, A Biopic on Afro-Caribbean Activist and Philosopher, Premieres In French Theatres 

The life of famous 20th-century Afro-Caribbean philosopher, psychiatrist, diplomat, scholar, and anti-colonial & civil rights activist Frantz Fanon has been the subject of popular culture representations over the years, including, at least, twice on the screens. In 1997, Frantz Fanon: Black Skin, White Mask, a docudrama named after the Martinican’s historical critique of the same title and directed by British filmmaker Isaac Julien, was released. Writer-director Cheikh Djemai captured Fanon’s existence and contributions to the Algerian Revolution in his French-titled documentary, Frantz Fanon, une vie, un combat, une oeuvre (translated as Frantz Fanon: His Life, His Struggle, His Work), which was released in 2001. The latest addition to the growing oeuvre is Fanon, an upcoming  biopic directed  by Jean-Claude Barny.

Fanon focuses on the activist’s time at the Blida-Joinville Psychiatric Hospital in 1950s Algeria, his groundbreaking approaches, and his role in the Algerian independence movement. The filmmaker traces the career of Fanon to the Algerian independence struggles, chronicling the period of Fanon’s appointment as head of department at the psychiatric hospital in Blida, Algeria.

During his service in the medical facility, Fanon developed an innovative, humanist approach to psychiatry and opposed the repressive approaches of the colonial institution. With time, this commitment empowered him to rise against the system he served, until he became an essential voice in the anti-colonial struggle. The biopic, Fanon, stars Alexandre Bouyer, a little-known actor, in the title role, with Déborah François as Josie Fanon, Olivier Gourmet as Darmain, and Stanislas Merhar as Sergeant Rolland.

Through Fanon, Jean-Claude Barny presents a rich tale that combines colonial history, medicine, and politics. The biopic captures the ethical and ideological tensions that underlined the existence of Fanon whose writings, including Les Damnés de la Terre, continue to inspire and influence generations of philosophers and scholars.

With a strong subject and historical commitment forming its bedrock, Fanon poses as an intense commentary on man’s struggle against injustice and indignity. The filmmaker allows us to see through the eyes of the subject, mirroring the ideological posture and demerits resulting from colonialism.

Following its premiere at the 2024 Marrakech International Film Festival (November 29 – December 7), Fanon will be available across the French theaters on 2nd April, 2025.