Photo du réalisateur Jerome Roumagne

Black Out: Fight against Chemical Submission in New Caledonia with Jerome Roumagne

The suffocating silence surrounding chemical submission, this sneaky weapon used by some to subjugate their victims, is beginning to break in New Caledonia. A revealing documentary, carried by Jérome Roumagne, shines a harsh light on this little-discussed reality.

The Cruelty of Chemical Submission: A Harrowing Reality

The opening of the film is an emotional uppercut. These incisive words, “When you want to chemically subjugate someone, just open the medicine cabinet,” are not just a statement, but a stark awakening to human cruelty. They resonate in the viewer's soul, tearing away the veil of ignorance to reveal a world where trust can be betrayed by a simple pill dissolved in a glass.

Roumagne, in its quest to expose this merciless reality, embraces an approach that is both courageous and necessary. His choice to tackle this taboo subject is an act of defiance against indifference, a stand against silent injustice. He stands like a beacon in the midst of darkness, guiding those who have been blinded by naivety or fear to much-needed awareness.

By sharing the motivations that drive him, Roumagne sheds light on the scale of the problem. It reveals the tragedy experienced by so many people, victims of devious manipulation and atrocious betrayals. Her commitment to breaking the silence is a call to action, an invitation to stand with victims, recognize their pain and fight for their justice.

Each image, each testimony, is a poignant reminder of the fragility of trust and the need to remain vigilant. Roumagne, by choosing to carry this burden, becomes the spokesperson for those who have been silenced, their voice in a world that sometimes prefers to look away.

Thus, the opening of the film marks not just the beginning of a story, but the beginning of a silent revolution. It is a call to awakening, a call to recognize the harrowing reality of chemical submission and to act accordingly. Because as long as this cruelty continues, no community will be able to claim security and justice for all.

Poignant Testimonies: The Pain of Unjust Shame



The testimonies collected as part of the documentary reveal heartbreaking stories of the pain and injustice that grip the victims of chemical submission. Each story is a silent cry, a call for understanding and empathy in the face of traumatic experiences.

Shame is a common thread that runs through these stories. Unfairly felt by the victims, it slips insidiously into their psyche, stripping them of all sense of dignity and security. Some of them, having barely touched a drink, carry the burden of undue guilt on their shoulders. This weight, this self-flagellation, is a cruel reminder of the hold that chemical submission can have on the psyche of individuals.

Roumagne, in an act of resistance against this unjust guilt, raises his voice vigorously. He refuses to let victims carry the weight of infamy alone, to let the shadow of guilt darken their light. His plea is a cry of revolt against a society which too often blames the victims instead of condemning the aggressors.

Thus, each testimony becomes an act of courage, a cornerstone in the construction of a fairer and more compassionate society. Victims, by sharing their pain and their vulnerability, open a window onto a reality that is often ignored. Their voice, amplified by the documentary, resonates like a call to action, an invitation to break the silence and defend the dignity of each person.

Because as long as shame continues to poison the minds of victims, as long as society remains deaf to their cries for help, the fight against chemical submission will remain incomplete. It is by recognizing the pain of unjust shame that we can truly begin to heal the wounds of those who have been hurt, and build a future where compassion and justice prevail.

A Vacillating Judicial Response: The Difficulty of Proof



Faced with the devastating scale of chemical submission, the judicial response is in an alarmingly fragile state. The authorities' task is hampered by a series of insurmountable challenges, jeopardizing the quest for justice for the victims.

The first barrier to overcome is the difficulty of proving the presence of substances in the victims' bodies. The rapid dissipation of these chemical agents makes this evidence fleeting, ephemeral, almost impossible to catch. The prints left on the body are often evanescent, leaving behind only vague and elusive clues.

This uncertainty creates fertile ground for impunity for attackers. Blending into anonymity, they escape the net of justice, leaving behind indelible trauma in the wake of their misdeeds. Victims, faced with the lack of resolution, are abandoned to their pain, without recourse or reparation.

This vacillation of the judicial response is a glaring injustice, a betrayal of the fundamental principles of our society. It sends a disturbing message: that chemical submission, despite its cruelty, remains unpunished, that aggressors remain free to carry out their despicable acts with complete impunity.

Yet, in the shadow of this uncertainty, a glimmer of hope persists. Voices are being raised to demand change, to demand a firmer and more effective response. Victims' rights advocates, committed activists, are coming together to fight injustice, to demand that chemical submission be treated with the severity it deserves.

So, despite the obstacles that stand in the way of justice, hope remains. For as long as there are voices that refuse to be silenced, as long as there are defenders of truth and compassion, light will always shine in the darkness, illuminating the path to a future where justice prevails for all.

Towards a Safer and Fairer Future: The Call to Action



Roumagne's powerful documentary goes beyond the simple observation of the gaping wounds in our society. It also takes an accusatory look at the persistent inaction of some nightlife establishments, but it also celebrates the anonymous heroes who dare to act. Through its uncompromising images, New Caledonia sees a path towards a future tinged with justice and prevention.

Roumagne, like a beacon in the night, illuminates the dark corners of chemical submission, highlighting the gray areas where injustice thrives. By exposing these disturbing truths, he invites society to examine its conscience, to deeply reflect on its values ​​and priorities.

But this documentary goes beyond simple denunciation. It also celebrates those who, touched by the distress of the victims, decide to take concrete measures. These individuals, these night establishments who decide to stand alongside the victims rather than turn away from them, embody the hope for real change.

New Caledonia, enlightened by the lucidity of Roumagne's documentary, finds itself at a decisive turning point. By breaking the silence that enveloped this insidious reality, by giving a voice to the forgotten, Roumagne opens a door to a safer, fairer future. His call to action resonates as a call for unity, for solidarity, to fight against the darkness that threatens to engulf us.

Together, hand in hand, we can turn this vision into reality. By committing to combatting chemical submission, supporting victims, and preventing further heinous acts, we are laying the foundation for a more humane, more compassionate, and more just society. And it is in this collective approach that our greatest hope for the future lies.

Link to the replay of the “Black Out” report offered on France Télévision

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