The Cinematheque

Vancouver Premiere

“Uplifting and authentic … The French have always had a way with words.”

Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter

Every year, hundreds of students from all over the department of Seine-Saint-Denis face off in Eloquentia, a contest to crown the best orator in this diverse, sprawling suburb of Paris. Speak Up follows a group of college students preparing for Eloquentia through an intensive six weeks of workshops in classical rhetoric, acting, slam poetry, and breathing techniques, then into the tournament itself. Directors de Freitas and Ly create an inspiring portrait, by turns riotous, by turns poignant, of a young generation of all creeds and colours brought together by a shared commitment to the French art of rhetoric. Viewer will not soon forget Elhadj, formerly homeless; Leïla, a shy Syrian-French woman who considers herself a Muslim feminist; or Eddy, a fledgling actor who has to walk ten kilometers every day to commute to class.