Filmmaker Spotlight
I AM
JE SUIS
Directed by Sébastien Spitz
In a play of light and shadow, Annabelle Lengronne takes on the roles of six women from Africa living with HIV who tell their stories. She brings their testimonies to life so that we can hear them say: “I am HIV-positive, I am standing tall, I am alive.”
About the Film
In the dim light of a studio, the breathing of a motionless woman, a ray of light gliding over her skin, a burst of anger and hope in her voice, the haunting sound of an electric guitar.
In a play of light and shadow, actress Annabelle Lengronne takes on the roles of six women from Africa living with HIV who tell their stories and reveal themselves. In their countries, they were ostracized, abused, and victims of gender-based and sexual violence.
Today, in Saint Denis, the Ikamberé association is helping them to heal and rebuild their lives. Between distress and resilience, these women are finally able to open their hearts.
Annabelle brings their testimonies to life so that we can hear them say: “I am HIV-positive, I am standing tall, I am alive.”
- Runtime
- 12 min
- Category
- Documentary Short
- Country
- france
- Year
- 2025
- Language
- french
- Aspect ratio
- 16:9
Stills
Sébastien Spitz
Sébastien Spitz draws inspiration from the diversity of the worlds he encounters. For over twenty years, Sébastien has sought, film after film, to capture the magic of a place, of a light, of an emotion through a sensitive and compassionate alchemy that is unique to him. Intimate portraits, architectural films, films celebrating craftsmanship for luxury brands, music videos, advertisements... his ability to bring out the best in everyone also guides him in making documentaries and medium-length fiction films. Through heartfelt stories and powerful visions guided by emotion and imagination, he strives to depict the complexity and beauty of the world.
— Director’s statement
‘I AM’ is a tribute to all women in distress who are victims of violence. ‘I AM’ is a cry from my heart, a cry of rage. The narrative weaves together life experiences through a back-and-forth between the actress and the characters she portrays. I wanted to give voice to a powerful message – the one of the invisible – through a moving portrayal that is, paradoxically, a source of hope.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Credits
- Directed by
- Sébastien Spitz
- Written by
- Fabrice Callens & Sébastien Spitz
- Produced by
- Antoine Aize & Fabrice Callens & Sébastien Spitz
- Production company
- Be light Films & Mirabell Studio
- Cinematography
- Thomas Cousin
- Editing
- Patricia Adelheim
- Sound
- Christophe Robert
- Principal cast
- Annabelle Lengronne
— Festival history
Traces de Vies 2025 - Clermont Ferrand Festival du Film d'Action Sociale 2025 - Nancy Bridge of peace 2025 -Online festival Italia Green film festival 2026 - Roma
I AM is part of the Official Selection of the BIUFF Founding Edition 2026 — 75 films from 32 countries. See the full programme.