«DNA of wild beasts» – Delphine Montaigne, France, 2018, 18′

Synopsis: Along her team, the ’36’, Lea, commander of operation, faces the true face of the news that is filled with blood crimes. She is one of the top on the French police force. The team members protect each other as they are connected by their invisible bonds and weaknesses; solidarity is in their DNA. This docudrama showcases 24 hours in the life of Lea, member of the elite forces, but also a daughter and a woman.

Director’s Statement: “Taking a whole different approach to cop movies was my first intention. Forget about cliches and show a somewhat different portrayal from what we are used to watch. I had the honour to be allowed to shoot my movie entirely within the walls of the famous 36, Quai des Orfevres in Paris. It was a stunning experience for our performers and team to shoot in the very place were the actual work of the police happens. Lea is the commander officer for the criminal police department at the 36, Quai des Orfevres. Her daily life, ordinary or not was the side I wanted to show. Some vocational occupations lead us to live extreme emotions and sometimes leave marks and wounds. Are they indelible? Where do we find the resilience to start all over again on the next day?”