Samuel Paty, a Moment for Justice is an original documentary directed by Christine Tournadre, airing on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9:05 PM on France 5 and available on france.tv. It comes the day after the verdict in theappeal trial of the history and geography teacher's assassination. Co-written with journalist Mathieu Delahousse and produced by Thierry Caillibot for Galaxie, with support from France Télévisions’ society and geopolitics documentary unit, the film continues the director’s ongoing reflection and remembrance following Le Collège de Monsieur Paty.
The documentary revisits the initial trial held in the fall of 2024 before the Paris Assize Court. It reconstructs the judicial process that examined the responsibilities involved in the chain of events leading to the murder of Samuel Paty in October 2020. Focusing particularly on the two accused behind the online hate campaign, the film explores the impact of social media posts and considers their potential legal classification when such rhetoric contributes to a process culminating in a terrorist act.
Through court hearings, testimonies, and closing arguments, the judicial process emerges as a moment of truth, where stories are clarified and confronted. The film sheds light on the mechanics of disinformation, the viral spread of content, and the tangible impacts of these online posts. It also questions the justice system’s ability to address issues rooted in the digital realm, where personal accountability intertwines with the forces of collective hysteria.
The official trailer will be posted as soon as France Télévisions releases it.
In this project, Christine Tournadre shifts her focus to a documentary that zeroes in on the educational community and the far-reaching impacts of the attack on teachers and students. After exploring the rebuilding of the school in Le Collège de Monsieur Paty, she takes a more institutional approach, following the course of the trial and the debates it ignites. The film relies on a carefully crafted narrative, co-written with Mathieu Delahousse, an expert in judicial matters, and benefits from the editorial framework of France Télévisions’ society and geopolitics documentary unit.
Through its educational approach, the documentary aims to reach a broad audience beyond just educators and legal professionals. It sheds light on current issues surrounding freedom of speech, online criminal responsibility, and the workings of the court of assizes in terrorism cases. Released amid the aftermath of the end of an appeal trial, it contributes to a collective moment of reflection on justice and memory.
Samuel Paty: The Pursuit of Justice
Documentary | 2026
Premiere on France 5 on March 10, 2026, at 9:05 PM
Available on france.tv
Society Documentary | Approximate duration: 90 minutes
Directed by Christine Tournadre | Written with Mathieu Delahousse
Original title: Samuel Paty, le temps de la justice
Country: France
Through a detailed account of the initial trial, the film offers a perspective on the individual and collective responsibilities involved in a tragedy that profoundly impacted French schools and society. Blending memory with judicial analysis, it captures a pivotal moment when justice seeks to provide answers to an attack whose consequences extend far beyond the courtroom.
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