‘We swept a lot under the carpet’: Vichy regime film hits home in France of 2026
A new French film titled 'Notre Salut' explores the history of the Vichy regime's collaboration with Nazi Germany. The film has become a box office success, resonating with French audiences during a period of political uncertainty ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
Why it matters
The film's popularity highlights how historical narratives regarding national identity and collaboration are being used to navigate contemporary political tensions in France.
A still from Notre Salut, which is poised to become a box office hit. Photograph: Kidam & Michigan Films A still from Notre Salut, which is poised to become a box office hit. Photograph: Kidam & Michigan Films France ‘We swept a lot under the carpet’: Vichy regime film hits home in France of 2026 Movie about Nazi-collaborating administration strikes chord during what director calls ‘time of great uncertainty’
Angelique Chrisafis in Paris Sat 3 Oct 2026 00.00 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google I t is the story of how a lowly state administrator unthinkingly becomes a cog in the machine of an authoritarian regime, embracing the bureaucracy and logistics of sending people to their deaths – and it is drawing in audiences to French cinemas.
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