Sur l’Adamant (On the Adamant): “A valuable contribution to the conversation surrounding mental health treatment”

On her first day in Berlin, Kristen Stewart was asked about a potential film worthy of a distinction and she unwittingly described this French documentary entry. Sur l’Adamant stands out from the rest of the line-up, and while it may not be something one particularly enjoys watching, it will provide a new perspective into other realities of life and hopefully be part of a solution to unlearn previously held prejudices.

The Adamant is a houseboat on the Seine, that works as a multifaceted day-care centre for neurodivergent and mentally ill Parisians. Psychiatric treatment is offered, but far from the only focus of this establishment. Instead, there is singing, painting and a movie club that even assembles a small festival. Creative expression is vital, but there is also a sense of community associated with these classes that goes a long way in advancing the participants’ well-being.

Filmmaker Nicolas Philibert – who has also published a book together with Berlinale director Carlo – has long distinguished himself through a sensitive and soft-pedal approach. Operating the camera himself and keeping it rolling through breathing times and momentary contemplation, Philibert fully relinquishes the words to his subjects, only once responding to direct questions asked during an interview. Being able to share the stories of these people, who are written off by society far too many times, as well as their thought processes and vocabulary, offers an extraordinary insight.

The slow pace can be challenging to viewers and an abridgement of about 15 minutes could perhaps have achieved a more precise oversight of this microcosm; however, this documentation is not just one of the most rewarding productions of this festival but also a valuable contribution to the conversation surrounding the treatment of mental health.

Selina Sondermann

Sur l’Adamant (On the Adamant) does not have a UK release date yet.

Read more reviews from our Berlin Film Festival 2023 coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Berlin Film Festival website here.

Watch the trailer for Sur l’Adamant here: