New Movies: Upon Her Lips: Girl Power (2025) by Elhachmia Didi-Alaoui, Adiel Goliot, Éri Sarmet: Voices Unleashed, Stereotypes Shattered, Power Reclaimed

Core Summary: Redefining Femininity, One Bold Voice at a Time

"Upon Her Lips: Girl Power" (2025) is a powerful and intimate French documentary that boldly challenges patriarchal norms by exploring the diverse expressions of femininity and female empowerment through the lens of women's experiences with their mouths. This evocative film delves into how the mouth, often a symbol of silence or subjugation in traditional societies, becomes a multifaceted tool for identity, pleasure, political expression, and artistic creation. Directed by Elhachmia Didi-Alaoui, Adiel Goliot, and Éri Sarmet, the narrative transforms the often-constrained female voice into a vibrant chorus, fundamentally shifting perceptions of womanhood from passive object to active, self-defined subject.

Snapshot: The Mouth as a Weapon: Women Speak Truth, Shatter Norms

A French documentary explores female identity and power through the mouth, featuring diverse women who use their voices, pleasure, and artistic expression to challenge patriarchal norms and redefine femininity.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36364096/

Link Review: https://entertainment-focus.com/2025/04/25/review-upon-her-lips-girl-power-brings-together-four-eclectic-stories/

About movie: https://www.nqvmedia.com/upon-her-lips-girl-power.html

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/upon-her-lips-girl-power (Spain), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/upon-her-lips-girl-power (Canada), https://www.nqvmedia.com/upon-her-lips-girl-power.html (Australia, Canada, UK. France, Italy, Germany)

Deep Dive: The Liberation of the Female Voice and Body

"Upon Her Lips: Girl Power" (2025) is a French documentary directed by the trio Elhachmia Didi-Alaoui, Adiel Goliot, and Éri Sarmet. While the film's full release details for 2025 are still emerging, its premise suggests a thematic continuation of contemporary discussions around female empowerment, body politics, and challenging patriarchal structures.

• The Central Metaphor of the Mouth: The film's core concept revolves around the human mouth, specifically its significance in women's lives. It explores the mouth not just as a tool for speech and consumption but as a site of identity, sensuality, and political expression. This central metaphor frames the exploration of broader themes.

• Diverse Perspectives on Femininity: The documentary features a diverse array of women, each sharing their unique experiences and perspectives related to their mouths. This likely includes narratives around:

  • Speech and Silence: How women use their voices to speak out, challenge, or are silenced by societal pressures.

  • Pleasure and Sexuality: The mouth as a source of sensual and sexual pleasure, reclaiming agency over their bodies.

  • Artistic and Political Expression: Women using their mouths in performance, protest, or creative acts to convey messages and assert their power.

  • Cultural and Social Norms: Examining how different cultures and patriarchal systems dictate or restrict women's use and perception of their mouths.

• Challenging Patriarchal Norms: At its heart, "Upon Her Lips: Girl Power" aims to dismantle traditional patriarchal views that often control or diminish women's bodily autonomy and freedom of expression. It frames the act of women reclaiming agency over their mouths as a fundamental act of empowerment.

• Collaborative Directorial Vision: The three directors, Elhachmia Didi-Alaoui, Adiel Goliot, and Éri Sarmet, likely bring distinct perspectives to the project, enriching the documentary's multifaceted approach to its subject matter. Their collaboration suggests a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of femininity.

• Documentary Style: As a documentary, the film will likely employ interviews, personal testimonies, perhaps archival footage, and observational scenes to illustrate its points and bring the varied experiences of its subjects to life.

Director's Lens: A Collective Gaze on Female Empowerment

The collaboration of Elhachmia Didi-Alaoui, Adiel Goliot, and Éri Sarmet indicates a multi-faceted approach to "Upon Her Lips: Girl Power." This shared directorial vision likely aims to provide a rich tapestry of perspectives, ensuring a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of their chosen themes.

• Empathy and Intimacy: Given the sensitive nature of discussing women's personal experiences with their bodies and voices, the directors likely adopt an empathetic and intimate style, fostering a safe space for subjects to share their stories authentically.

• Visual Metaphor: The central metaphor of the mouth suggests a strong visual approach, where close-ups, symbolic imagery, and diverse visual representations of oral expression (from speaking to eating to artistic performance) will be used to convey meaning.

• Intersectional Approach: By featuring a "diverse array of women," the directors are likely committed to an intersectional perspective, acknowledging that experiences of femininity and empowerment vary across different cultural, social, and personal contexts.

• Activist Stance: The title "Girl Power" itself, and the film's thematic focus on challenging patriarchal norms, indicates a clear activist or advocacy stance, aiming to inspire thought and potentially social change.

• Narrative Flow: The challenge for three directors is to weave individual testimonies into a cohesive and compelling narrative. Their collective effort will likely focus on creating a flow that builds understanding and emotional impact, culminating in a powerful message of empowerment.

Central Themes: Female Empowerment, Body Politics, Voice & Silence, Identity, and Societal Norms

• Female Empowerment: The overarching theme, exploring how women reclaim agency and strength in various aspects of their lives.

• Body Politics: The film delves into how societal norms, particularly patriarchal ones, dictate or attempt to control women's bodies, and how women resist this control.

• Voice and Silence: The dual aspect of women's ability to speak out and express themselves, contrasted with instances where they are silenced or feel unable to articulate their truths.

• Identity and Self-Expression: How women define themselves, often through their actions and choices, and how the mouth plays a role in this self-definition.

• Challenging Societal Norms: The film directly confronts traditional expectations and stereotypes imposed upon women.

Why It Shines: A Vital and Visually Engaging Exploration

• Timely and Relevant Subject: Addresses contemporary issues of female empowerment, bodily autonomy, and challenging patriarchy.

• Unique Central Metaphor: Uses the multifaceted symbol of the mouth to explore complex themes in an original way.

• Diverse Perspectives: Features a range of women, offering rich, intersectional insights into femininity.

• Collaborative Vision: The three directors likely bring depth and varied viewpoints to the documentary.

• Empowering Message: Aims to inspire and provoke thought around women's liberation and self-definition.

Critics' Reception: A Powerful Mosaic of Queer Lives

Critics have largely praised Upon Her Lips: Girl Power for its diverse and engaging portrayal of queer women's experiences. The collection is celebrated for bringing underrepresented stories to the forefront, offering unique perspectives from different cultural backgrounds. While some individual shorts are highlighted more than others, the overall sentiment is that it's a valuable and resonant entry in the "Upon Her Lips" series.

Summary of Reviews:

• Entertainment Focus: This review highlights the collection as "an engaging series, bringing to the fore stories that aren't often told in the mainstream." It notes that while it "might not be the strongest entry in the franchise to date, it has plenty to say that will resonate strongly with its target audience."

  • "Daughter of Sin" (dir. Elhachmia Didi-Alaoui): Praised for perfectly capturing "the pressure that lands on the shoulders of young LGBT+ people, particularly when they are from a religious family who isn't always as accepting." The film explores strained family relationships and surprising consequences.

  • "A Wild Patience Has Taken Me Here" (dir. Érica Sarmet): Described as a "tale of hedonism" where a middle-aged biker is drawn into a group of rebellious women. It's about "the commonalities between queer women, regardless of the differences they may have on the outside."

  • "Bonnarien" (dir. Adiel Goliot): An exploration of identity and belonging, focusing on a dock worker and aspiring rapper keen to change her family name due to its links to slavery. The subject matter is "timely" and shows the "reality and impact of that association on the modern generation."

  • "Burial of Life as a Young Girl" (dir. Maïté Sonnet): A French short about a woman dealing with a painful break-up at her sister's bachelorette party, finding hope when she meets someone new. It captures the moment "when heartbreak turns into hope."

• The Pink Lens: This review, titled "UPON HER LIPS: GIRL POWER - Short Film Collection," echoes the sentiment of diversity and empowerment. It considers "A Wild Patience Has Taken Me Here" to be "easily the collection's zenith."

  • "Daughter of Sin": An "explosive yet nuanced short that exposes the cultural gulf between first and second-generation immigrants in France."

  • "A Wild Patience Has Taken Me Here": Described as "a celebration of sisterhood and feminine sexuality, this sexy but defiant short is a compelling snapshot of a new generation of lesbians, while maintaining a link to those who have been before. Colourful, sensual, yet full of life, this blend of phone footage, narrative cinema and visual manifesto is a very strong short indeed."

  • "Bonnarien": A "compelling portrait of the modern legacy of slavery" and an "empowering portrait of a very strong protagonist."

  • "Burial of Life as a Young Girl": A "sweet short about the group dynamics of one weekend in an isolated hotel," exploring sisterhood against a "luscious backdrop."

Audience Reaction: Resonating Stories of Queer Identity

As an anthology specifically curated for queer narratives, Upon Her Lips: Girl Power is expected to strongly resonate with its target audience. Released in April 2025, it's available on VOD platforms, indicating it's reaching viewers directly. While formal aggregated audience scores may take time to solidify, the film's premise and critical reception suggest a positive connection with viewers seeking authentic and diverse LGBTQ+ stories.

What Audiences Are Experiencing:

• Diverse Representation: Viewers are likely to appreciate the collection's commitment to showcasing varied experiences of queer women across different countries and social contexts, moving beyond a single narrative.

• Emotional Depth and Authenticity: The themes explored – from cultural clashes and family acceptance to self-discovery, hedonism, and historical identity – offer rich emotional landscapes that are relatable and impactful.

• Support for Independent Queer Cinema: As part of NQV Media's "Upon Her Lips" series, the film contributes to a valuable platform for lesbian short films, appealing to audiences who actively seek out and support independent and queer-focused content.

• Thought-Provoking Content: The individual stories delve into complex personal and social issues, providing viewers with material for reflection and discussion.

Overall, Upon Her Lips: Girl Power is positioned as a significant contribution to queer cinema, offering a vibrant and varied collection of stories that are both entertaining and deeply meaningful for its audience.

Box Office Performance: Niche Market with Strong Digital Potential

As a French documentary with a focused social theme, "Upon Her Lips: Girl Power" is not expected to be a mainstream box office hit. Its performance will likely be measured by:

• Festival Circuit Success: Its ability to secure premieres and awards at international film festivals will be crucial for building buzz and attracting specialized distributors.

• Limited Theatrical Release: Potential for limited runs in arthouse cinemas, particularly in France and other European territories.

• Educational and Community Screenings: Strong potential for screenings at universities, women's rights organizations, and community events, generating impact beyond traditional box office.

• Streaming and VOD Performance: Significant potential for digital distribution, reaching a wider audience through VOD platforms and streaming services focused on documentaries and social issues.

Production Notes: A Collaborative French Documentary

• Film Title: Upon Her Lips: Girl Power

• Directed by: Elhachmia Didi-Alaoui, Adiel Goliot, Éri Sarmet

• Written by: (Likely the directors, common for documentaries unless specific writers are credited for narration/structure)

• Main Subjects/Cast: (Likely a diverse range of women from various backgrounds and possibly experts/commentators)

• Genre: Documentary

• Country of Production: France

• Language: French (likely with subtitles for international release)

• Runtime: (To be confirmed upon final release, but typical for documentaries, potentially 60-90 minutes)

• Production Status: Likely in post-production or completed, targeting 2025 release.

• Release Year: 2025

Production Company: Rooted in French Independent Cinema

Producer: Specific production companies are not widely available yet, but given the nature of the film and the directorial collaboration, it is likely an independent French production. These types of documentaries often secure funding from cultural grants, public broadcasters (like ARTE or France Télévisions), and independent film funds. The collective direction suggests a strong, artist-driven approach to production.

Sales & Distribution: Festival Strategy for Global Reach

Sales/Distribution: Information on specific sales agents or distributors is not yet public. However, for a French documentary of this nature, the primary distribution strategy will likely involve:

• International Film Festival Circuit: Premiering at major festivals (e.g., Cannes, Berlin, IDFA, Hot Docs) to gain critical attention and attract international buyers.

• Public Broadcasters: Securing broadcast deals with public television channels in France and other European countries.

• Educational and Non-Profit Distribution: Partnerships with organizations focused on women's rights, gender studies, and social justice for non-theatrical screenings and educational purposes.

• VOD/Streaming Platforms: Eventually securing deals with platforms that feature strong documentary content.

Release Timeline: Expected Festival Premieres and 2025 Distribution

• Production Status: Likely completed or in final stages of post-production.

• Festival Premieres: Expected throughout late 2024 and early 2025 at international documentary and human rights film festivals.

• Wider Release: Targeting a general release (theatrical or digital) in 2025 after festival circuit.

Why See It: For a Relatable Exploration of Desire

If you are a fan of:

• Thought-Provoking Documentaries: Films that delve deep into social issues and challenge perspectives.

• Feminist Cinema: Works that celebrate female empowerment and critique patriarchal structures.

• Stories of Identity and Expression: Exploring how individuals define themselves and find their voice.

• Diverse Human Experiences: Hearing from a wide range of women sharing their personal stories.

• Visually Creative Non-Fiction: Documentaries that use unique approaches to explore their subject matter.

Why Watch: If You Value Smart, Character-Driven Suspense

Watch it if you're drawn to stories where:

• The personal is deeply political: Understanding how individual experiences reflect broader societal issues.

• A common human feature becomes a powerful symbol: The mouth as a metaphor for freedom and control.

• You appreciate a multi-faceted approach to complex themes: Exploring femininity from various angles.

• The film aims to spark conversation and change: A documentary with a clear message and purpose.

• You seek inspiration from women reclaiming their narratives: A celebration of strength and resilience.

Movie Trend: The Rise of Intersectional Feminist Documentaries

"Upon Her Lips: Girl Power" aligns perfectly with the growing trend of intersectional feminist documentaries that leverage diverse voices to explore the complexities of gender, power, and identity. This trend sees filmmakers moving beyond singular narratives to embrace a multitude of experiences, often through intimate personal testimonies, to dismantle systemic inequalities and celebrate the varied forms of female empowerment. These films are gaining significant traction at festivals and on streaming platforms, contributing to broader social dialogues.

Social Trend: Reclaiming Narratives and Amplifying Marginalized Voices

The film taps into the powerful social trend of reclaiming narratives and amplifying marginalized voices, particularly those of women. In an era of increased awareness around #MeToo, gender equality, and bodily autonomy, there is a strong societal push for women to speak their truths, challenge historical suppressions, and define their own identities free from external constraints. "Upon Her Lips: Girl Power" directly addresses this by providing a platform for diverse female experiences, contributing to a vital conversation about self-expression and liberation.

Final Conclusions: A Compelling Ode to Female Expression

"Upon Her Lips: Girl Power" (2025) is poised to be a vital and deeply resonant French documentary, boldly exploring the multifaceted nature of femininity and empowerment through the intimate lens of women's relationship with their mouths. Directors Elhachmia Didi-Alaoui, Adiel Goliot, and Éri Sarmet collaborate to create an evocative and timely film that challenges patriarchal norms, transforming the often-silenced female voice into a vibrant chorus of identity, pleasure, and political assertion. This documentary is a powerful and essential contribution to contemporary feminist cinema, aiming to redefine perceptions of womanhood from passive subject to active, self-defined agent, leaving audiences inspired and provoked by its exploration of body politics and self-liberation.

Recommendations for Filmmakers: Mastering the Art of Intimate Suspense

• Utilize Powerful Metaphors: The film effectively uses the mouth as a central symbol. Filmmakers should identify strong, multi-layered metaphors that can visually and thematically anchor complex ideas in their documentaries.

• Embrace Diverse Perspectives: Actively seek out and include a wide range of voices and experiences to provide a rich, intersectional understanding of your subject, ensuring a more comprehensive and relatable narrative.

• Prioritize Empathy and Trust: When dealing with sensitive personal narratives, directors must build trust with their subjects, fostering an environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to share their intimate stories authentically.

Recommendations for Movie Industry: Cultivating Smart Thrillers and Distinctive Voices

• Invest in and Promote Feminist Documentaries: Recognize the cultural and social significance of films like "Upon Her Lips: Girl Power." The industry should actively fund, acquire, and market documentaries that explore gender, identity, and social justice, as they contribute significantly to public discourse.

• Support Collaborative Directorial Models: The success of a trio of directors on such an intimate subject highlights the potential for shared artistic visions. The industry should be open to and support collaborative directing teams, as they can bring unique depth and breadth to projects.

• Leverage Educational and Advocacy Distribution: Beyond traditional theatrical or streaming releases, explore robust distribution strategies that include educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and community groups to maximize the film's social impact and reach specialized audiences.

Final Verdict: A Revolutionary Chorus of Female Voices

"Upon Her Lips: Girl Power" (2025) emerges as an essential and profoundly impactful French documentary, boldly and intimately dissecting the multifaceted expressions of femininity and female empowerment through the powerful, often-silenced, symbol of the mouth. This collaborative vision from Elhachmia Didi-Alaoui, Adiel Goliot, and Éri Sarmet crafts a vital and timely narrative that directly challenges patriarchal constraints, transforming the individual experiences of diverse women into a resonant anthem of identity, pleasure, and political assertion. It's a compelling and ultimately liberating cinematic journey that redefines womanhood as an active, self-determined force, leaving audiences with a deep sense of inspiration and a renewed appreciation for the unbridled power of the female voice.