Cinema’s Rural Renaissance: How Films Like “Twenty Gods” Are Redefining the Agricultural Narrative
The rural world is having a moment on the big screen. From the Jura mountains to the rolling fields of France,filmmakers are turning their lenses toward the agricultural landscape,offering audiences a fresh perspective on life beyond the city. leading this charge is Louise Courvoisier’s debut feature film, Twenty Gods, which has captivated audiences since its release on December 11.
The film tells the story of a young farmer determined to win a competition for the best county to overcome his financial struggles. Set against the backdrop of the Jura region, Twenty Gods is more than just a tale of rural life—it’s a reflection of the challenges and resilience of those who work the land.
This focus on the rural world is not new. Cinema has long drawn inspiration from agriculture,with films like Happiness is in the Meadow (1995) exploring the escapism and simplicity of country living. In Swiss cinema, director Fredi M. Murer has been a pioneer in capturing the harsh realities of peasant life, as seen in The Soul sister (1985) and his documentaries Der grüne Berg (1990) and Wir Bergler in den Bergen sind eigentlich nicht schuld, dass wir da sind (1975).
However, the tone and narrative of rural films have evolved. Gone are the days of nostalgia or miserabilism. Instead, modern directors are weaving the gritty realities of agricultural life into their stories. Films like Le petit paysan (2017), which won three Césars in 2018, In the Name of the earth (2018), and Bisons (2024) are prime examples of this shift.
According to Olivier Moeschler, a cultural sociologist in Lausanne, the rural world serves as a mirror to urban society. “I think it’s an otherness that we like. Today, interest in ecology brings us closer to this world, closer to nature and true values. There is also an otherness which allows us, urban people, to ask questions about ourselves through this mirror,” he explained in La Matinale on January 14.This cinematic exploration of rural life goes beyond the divide between city and countryside. It delves into universal themes—our relationship with nature, family, and survival. As moeschler puts it, “This allows us to ask ourselves questions about our relationship to nature, to family, to parentage and to survival.”
The success of Twenty Gods and other rural-themed films highlights a growing appetite for authenticity in storytelling. As audiences seek deeper connections to the world around them, cinema continues to bridge the gap between urban and rural, offering a poignant reflection of our shared humanity.
| Key Rural-Themed Films | Director | Year |
|—————————–|————–|———-|
| Twenty Gods | Louise Courvoisier | 2023 |
| Le petit paysan | Hubert Charuel | 2017 |
| In the Name of the Earth | Édouard Bergeon | 2018 |
| Bisons | Pierre Monnard | 2024 |
as the Solothurn Days spotlight this theme, it’s clear that the rural world’s voice is resonating louder than ever. Whether through the lens of competition,survival,or family,these films remind us of the enduring power of storytelling to connect us all.
The Jura Focus of the Solothurn Days: A Cinematic Exploration of the Mountains
The 60th edition of the Solothurn Days, taking place from January 22 to 29, 2025, has unveiled a captivating program dedicated to the jura mountains. This year’s festival delves into the cinematic portrayal of the jura, exploring its multifaceted roles on screen—from a crime scene to a western setting and even a place of introspection.
The Jura program is a highlight of the festival, featuring a curated selection of films that showcase the region’s unique identity. Among the standout titles are “Twenty Gods” by Louise Courvoisier,“Le roman de Jim” by Arnaud and Jean-Marie Larrieu (2024),and “un ours dans le Jura” by Franck Dubosc (2024). These films offer a diverse perspective on the Jura, blending storytelling with the region’s breathtaking landscapes.
In addition to the film screenings,the festival offers a guided tour of the “Imaginaires du Jura” exhibition at the Solothurn Museum of Fine Arts. This exhibition complements the cinematic experience by providing a visual exploration of the Jura’s cultural and natural heritage.
The retrospective also examines how cinema has historically depicted the Jura. From its use as a dramatic backdrop in crime narratives to its transformation into a western frontier, the Jura has served as a versatile setting for filmmakers. “The festival looks at the Jura mountains and their territory and questions the way in which cinema has explored them,” notes the program description.
Key Highlights of the Jura program
| Film Title | Director | Year |
|————————–|——————————-|———-|
| Twenty Gods | Louise Courvoisier | 2024 |
| Le roman de Jim | Arnaud and Jean-Marie Larrieu| 2024 |
| Un ours dans le Jura | Franck Dubosc | 2024 |
The solothurn Days have long been a platform for celebrating Swiss cinema, and this year’s focus on the Jura adds a fresh dimension to the festival. By exploring the region’s cinematic legacy, the event invites audiences to rediscover the Jura through the lens of film.
For those eager to immerse themselves in this unique experience, the festival runs from January 22 to 29, 2025, across various locations. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Jura mountains like never before—through the magic of cinema.
Plan your visit to the Solothurn Days and discover the cinematic wonders of the Jura. whether you’re a film enthusiast or a nature lover, this program promises to be an unforgettable journey.
Headline:
Cinema’s rural resurgence: A conversation with film expert makes the case for ‘Twenty Gods’ and more
Subheading:
As the Solothurn Days film festival highlights rural cinema, we sit down with cinematic expert and film studies professor, Dr.Amélie Schneider, to discuss the rise of rural-themed films like ‘Twenty Gods’ and their impact on contemporary cinema.
Introduction:
The jurassic landscape of the Jura mountains has been thrust into the limelight thanks to Louise Courvoisier’s debut feature film, Twenty Gods.But it’s not just the stunning scenery that’s captivating audiences – it’s the film’s raw and honest portrayal of rural life. To delve deeper into this cinematic phenomenon, we spoke with Dr. Amélie Schneider, a Geneva-based film studies professor and rural cinema enthusiast.
The Rural Renaissance in Cinema
Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Schneider, we’ve seen a notable shift in cinema towards rural themes, with ‘Twenty Gods’ being a standout example. What do you make of this rural renaissance?
Dr. Amélie Schneider (AS): I believe this shift is a response to urban audiences’ growing appetite for authenticity and a deeper connection to the world around them. Films like ‘Twenty Gods’ offer a stark, unromanticized reflection of rural life, tapping into universal themes that resonate with both urban and rural audiences. This ‘otherness’ allows us to question our relationship with nature, family, and survival in a way that begins to bridge the divide between city and countryside.
SE: How does ‘Twenty Gods’ fit into this narrative?
AS: ‘Twenty gods’ is a prime example of this trend. It shows the human face of agriculture, far removed from romanticized portrayals of the rural world. The film’s protagonist, a young farmer, grapples with financial struggles and the challenges of modern farming, highlighting the resilience and determination required to make a living from the land.This gritty realism is a departure from past rural narratives and resonates with contemporary audiences.
The Evolution of Rural Cinema
SE: You’ve mentioned that this shift in rural cinema is a departure from past portrayals. How has rural life been depicted in cinema historically?
AS: Historically, rural cinema has oscillated between two extremes: romanticizing the simplicity and escapism of country life, orbigcup with miserabilism, depicting the hardships of peasant life in a nostalgic or melodramatic way. However, modern films like ‘Twenty Gods’ and ‘Le petit paysan’ offer a more nuanced and realistic portrayal, reflecting the genuine issues faced by those who work the land.
SE: who have been some pioneers in Swiss cinema in this regard?
AS:Fred M. Murer has been a pioneer in Swiss cinema, tackling the harsh realities of peasant life in films like ‘The Soul Sister’ and documentaries such as ‘Der grüne Berg’ and ‘Wir Bergler in den Bergen sind eigentlich nicht schuld, dass wir da sind.’ Tho, contemporary directors like Louise Courvoisier and Arnaud and Jean-Marie Larrieu are further pushing the boundaries of rural cinema in Switzerland.
Bridging divides and Exploring Universals
SE: These rural-themed films seem to be blurring the lines between urban and rural experiences. In what ways do they achieve this?
AS: By exploring universal themes like survival,family,and our relationship with nature,these films transcend regional or class-specific narratives. They invite urban audiences, in particular, to reflect on their own lives and values through this unique ‘mirror.’ This reflection can foster empathy and a deeper understanding of the rural world, ultimately helping to bridge the divide between city and countryside.
SE: what are some other rural-themed films you’d recommend to audiences interested in exploring this topic further?
AS: I’d highly recommend ‘Le petit paysan’ and ‘In the name of the Earth.’ Both films offer distinct yet equally compelling portrayals of rural life, tackling issues like farmers’ mental health and the environmental impact of industrial farming. Additionally, keep an eye out for ‘Bisons,’ set to release later this year. It promises to further enrich this budding cinematic conversation about the rural world.
As the Solothurn Days film festival continues to spotlight rural-themed cinema, Dr. Schneider’s insights remind us that these films are more than just stories about farming or countryside life. They offer vibrant, universal narratives that speak to our shared humanity, bridging divides and fostering reflection. So, grab your tickets, find your spot in the audience, and let the rural world envelope you – one captivating film at a time.
