The nomination of the Paris banlieue movie Les Misérables for best foreign language feature at the Oscars has been hailed as a historic moment – the first time a black film director has represented France at the Academy Awards, and for a low-budget drama about the topical issue of police violence. The film – which won universal critical acclaim and box-office success in France – is the first full-length feature by Ladj Ly, who grew up and still lives in Montfermeil in Seine-Saint-Denis at the heart of the high-rise estates that saw the worst of the urban rioting in 2005 after the death of two young boys hiding from police.
The fact that it’s the first time a black director has represented France at the Oscars proves things can change.”
Ly said he hoped the film’s Oscar nomination would inspire young people in France to follow their dreams.
Police are regularly accused of using excessive force in poorer neighbourhoods, particularly against black and minority ethnic young men.