Saint Omer

A novelist attends the trial of a woman accused of killing her 15-month-old daughter by abandoning her to the rising tide on a beach in northern France. But as the trial continues, her own family history, doubts, and fears about motherhood are steadily dislodged as the life story of the accused is gradually revealed.

Saint Omer is a true independent film, produced with a modest budget and a focus on powerful social issues. Alice Diop’s directorial vision, lack of major studio backing, and emphasis on a non-commercial approach to storytelling make it a quintessential independent film.