Watch Beyond Hatred

Beyond Hatred is a documentary film that follows the aftermath of a homophobic hate crime that took place in Reims, France, in 2002. The story begins with the brutal murder of 29-year-old François Chenu, who was beaten to death and thrown into a pond by three young men because of his sexual orientation. The film explores the effects of this crime on François' family and the three young men responsible for his death, as well as the broader community of Reims.

Through interviews with François' family members and friends, the viewer gets a sense of who he was as a person and the impact that his death had on those close to him. One of the most striking aspects of these interviews is the sense of loss and pain that still lingers years after his death. The filmmakers use archival footage to show François in his daily life, and to give the viewer a sense of the person he was beyond just the fact of his murder.

The second half of the film shifts focus to the three young men who committed the crime. The filmmakers gained unprecedented access to the legal proceedings surrounding the crime, and the viewer gets to see the three men before and after their trial. In interviews conducted with the men and their families, the filmmakers explore the factors that led them to commit such a brutal act of violence.

One of the most powerful moments in the film comes during the trial, when François' father addresses the three men directly, forgiving them for what they have done. This moment demonstrates the deep humanity and compassion of François' family, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

Throughout the film, the viewer also gets a sense of the broader social and political climate in France in the early 2000s. The rise of the far-right National Front party and the anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment of many in the population are explored through news footage and interviews with local activists. The film raises important questions about the responsibility of society as a whole for creating the conditions that lead to hate crimes.

Beyond Hatred is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking documentary that explores not only the personal impact of a horrific crime, but also the societal and political context in which it occurred. Through its focus on personal stories and intimate interviews, the film offers a powerful and empathetic portrayal of the aftermath of hate crimes. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in issues of social justice and LGBTQ+ rights.