Sonia Rolland Embraces Role as Narrator of French History, Confronts Silencing of Women in Ancient Accounts
PARIS, FRANCE – Actress and documentary director Sonia Rolland is prepared for potential backlash as she takes on a prominent role in shaping the narrative of French history, asserting her right to represent the nation’s diverse identity. Rolland, whose own life story is interwoven with critically important historical events, expressed a firm belief in the importance of acknowledging France‘s multicultural roots and the frequently enough-overlooked contributions of women throughout its past.
“I’m used to it, I wait for them… I’m happy to play a narrator of French history, and I feel legitimate in that,” Rolland stated, anticipating criticism from those who may resist a broadened representation of French identity. “It is essential to shine a light on cross-breeding,which is much more present in French society than we imagine. France has been mixed race since the dawn of time… France does not have just one face.”
Rolland’s personal history deeply informs her perspective. Born to a Rwandan mother and a French father, she experienced a childhood in Africa abruptly disrupted by the Rwandan genocide, followed by a challenging adaptation to life in France and a period of social downgrading. This background, coupled with her early career as Miss France and subsequent television roles, has shaped her nuanced worldview.
“I am attached to my African and also French roots, which I discovered much later,” she explained.”I have always been a very nuanced person thanks to my parents and my upbringing… The cultural and intellectual background of my parents allowed me to impose my outlook.”
Currently featured in the documentary series “Our History of France,” Rolland is particularly focused on highlighting the systemic silencing of women in historical narratives. “I already knew it, but doing “Our History of France” reminded me that there has always been a desire to crush women in the writing of french history. The roles of great women have always been silenced. And we systematically attach sexist clichés to grown-ups. As with Marie-Antoinette in particular…”
Rolland hopes the program, which she believes fosters emotional connection to historical figures – even negative ones – will reach a broad audience and contribute to a more just understanding of the past. She emphasized the importance of collective memory and defending hard-won freedoms, stating, “we must continue to defend our achievements such as freedom, which is under attack today.”
