During the 50th César ceremony held on the evening of February 28, 2025, at the Olympia in Paris, the high-Savoy director Gilles Perret received the César award for Best Documentary for his film La Ferme des Bertrand. The heartfelt moment was celebrated as Perret dedicated the award to all those striving to live with dignity through their work.
Gilles Perret, aged 56, expressed his emotional gratitude as he accepted this prestigious award, marking his first César throughout his career. His documentary has already captivated over 244,000 spectators, shedding light on fifty years of life for three bachelor brothers who run a dairy farm located in Quincy, within the municipality of Mieussy, set in the picturesque Giffre Valley of Haute-Savoie. Notably, the Bertrand family are the director's neighbors, providing both personal and cultural connection to the subject matter.
The documentary captures the essence of agrarian life, intertwining the struggles and triumphs faced by the Bertrand family over the decades. This film stands out as one of the most successful documentaries released last year, garnering significant attention and praise.
"I would like to dedicate this César to all those who want nothing more than to live with dignity from their work," Perret stated, underscoring the film's broader commentary on the importance of valuing agriculture as a means of sustenance and livelihood.
The César ceremony at the Olympia recognized the efforts of many filmmakers and artists within the French cinema industry. Perret's win brought special attention to Haute-Savoie, celebrating local culture and community. The film La Ferme des Bertrand, released on January 31, 2025, portrays agricultural life against the backdrop of dynamic changes currently shaking the farming industry across France.
While farmers are facing widespread challenges, including protests highlighting the struggles of the agricultural sector, Perret’s documentary presents the Bertrand family's thriving dairy farm as a shining example and ideal of sustainable, family-run agriculture. Agronomist Marc Dufumier emphasized the significance of the film amid the current climate, noting how such family operations can thrive under the right conditions, pointing to the protected designation of origin (PDO) branding as beneficial.
Beyond the specifics of farming practices, Perret's film resonates with broader themes of community and resilience. By documenting the lives of the Bertrand brothers and their unwavering commitment to their family business, the film highlights the importance of preserving familial legacies and traditional practices within modern society.
The connection between Perret and his subjects is palpable, having grown up just 100 meters from the farm. His previous works, such as Ma Mondialisation and La Sociale, already hinted at his ability to deeply engage with social issues, and La Ferme des Bertrand continues this tradition, threading personal narratives with significant commentary on agricultural policy and practice.
Overall, La Ferme des Bertrand stands not just as a narrative about three brothers and their dairy operation but as a reflection on labor, dignity, and the enduring power of community bonds. Recognized fully at the César awards, it challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with food production and the identifiable faces behind their meals.
By merging personal stories with urgent social questions, Gilles Perret's César-winning documentary has left an indelible mark on contemporary cinema, demonstrating how impactful storytelling can offer both insights and hope during tumultuous times for farmers and families alike. This film and its recognition signify not only Perret's skill as a documentarian but also the importance of preserving humane narratives within agricultural discourse.