Belle de nuit – Grisélidis Réal, autoportraits

Grisélidis Réal is a meteoric figure whose life is the stuff of novels. She worked as a prostitute in the brothels of Munich, where her clients were black American soldiers. She dealt marijuana and served time in prison. In the 1970s, she became the “revolutionary hooker.” In her first documentary, Marie-Ève de Grave captures the mystery and the joy of this remarkable woman, bringing her voice and her thoughts to life. Immersing viewers in Réal’s writings, read by the filmmaker herself, the film looks back at her dazzling life. Fictional images inspired by texts, drawings, excerpts, manuscripts, photographs, historical archives, interviews and testimonials combine to weave a fragmented and multifaceted portrait of a magnificent rebel and true artist.

Marie-Eve De Grave

Marie-Ève de Grave was born in Belgium in 1965. After studies in architecture and stage design, she graduated from the Institut national supérieur des arts du spectacle in 1993. Since 1994, she has lived in France, where she works as a screenwriter and makes short films. She is currently working on two feature films; Belle de nuit (2016) is her first documentary.

Filmography | Grand Tour (2013) ; Opale Plage (2010) ; Roman Signer (2009) ; Waiting for Frank (2000) ; La promenade de Peter Aerts (1999) ; Les acharnés (1993).