With open arms
With boundless energy, Diane, Manon, Inès and Awa, together with their team, are committed to supporting women who have been victims of violence. Through their care and a willingness to listen, they build up the women’s self-confidence and support them as they start afresh. This requires self-sacrifice and a firm commitment to standing firmly behind those who need their help. Inspired by a feature report on the “Maison des Femmes” in Saint-Denis, director Mélisa Godet creates a rich and authentic portrait that serves as a tribute to the work carried out in women’s refuges. A juxtaposition of tragedy and comedy that powerfully points the way to hope. The feature film “With Open Arms” (original title: La Maison des Femmes | F 2026) will be screened as a preview during the 2026 French Film Week in Saxony-Anhalt, in the original language with German subtitles. The subsequent discussion, which will take place at the HofGalerie with representatives from Soroptimist Germany’s Magdeburg branch, will focus on Orange Day – the International Day “Together Against Violence Against Women”. Threats, control, intimidation, sexual harassment or digital abuse: raising awareness is essential to recognising all forms of violence and ensuring those affected are not left alone. The UN campaign “Orange The World” has been raising awareness of violence since 1991: from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November until 10 December, Human Rights Day. For 16 days, people, organisations, cities and businesses around the world use the colour orange to demonstrate their zero tolerance for violence against women. UN Women Germany is implementing the campaign in Germany.
A joint event with Soroptimist Germany, Magdeburg branch, as part of the Orange Days and the Saxony-Anhalt French Film Week 2026.
