At the heart of the story, Jérôme Bayle emerges as a dedicated farmer propelled into the spotlight by an unprecedented movement. Through his daily life as a livestock farmer, his public statements, and his involvement with the Ultras de l’A64 collective, the film portrays a man caught between professional responsibilities, media exposure, and loyalty to his land. The documentary delves into the human motivations behind agricultural activism, remaining rooted in the tangible realities of farm life.
Without aiming for heroism, the film captures the doubts, exhaustion, and resolve of a farmer facing a system he perceives as strained to its limits. Through conversations with peers, strategic debates, and more personal moments, it weaves a story where collective activism meets individual journey. French family farming emerges as a fragile yet vital model, defended by those committed to safeguarding its future.
The origins of the project trace back to the events in Haute-Garonne surrounding the Carbonne dam and the rallying of farmers that took political observers and industry professionals by surprise. According to Édouard Bergeon, the project quickly gained momentum in response to the scale of the movement. Having previously collaborated with François Purseigle on In the Name of the Land, the director aimed to document a pivotal moment, just ahead of the six-yearly elections at the Chamber of Agriculture.
The shoot signals a shift towards a more relaxed approach for the filmmaker. After producing a large-scale fictional feature shot in Thailand, he adopts a more immersive style here, filming handheld with a Sony FX3 to enhance intimacy and spontaneity. This streamlined setup, also driven by budget constraints, places the film within the realm of direct cinema and observational documentary traditions.
Through its subject and approach, the film fits within a tradition of social documentaries focused on rural areas and the changing landscape of agriculture. Its tone shifts between an everyday chronicle and a political commentary, paying close attention to the voices and the staging of impromptu gatherings. The intended audience extends beyond the farming community itself: the film speaks to anyone interested in the social shifts shaping modern France and the various ways people come together to mobilize today.
Rural
Documentary | 2026
In theaters: March 4, 2026
Genre: Documentary | Runtime: 1h33
Directed by Édouard Bergeon | Starring Jérôme Bayle
Original Title: Rural
Country: France
With this feature film, Édouard Bergeon continues his deep dive into the agricultural world, shifting from fictional storytelling to direct observation. The film offers a timely perspective, focusing on a local figure who has risen to national prominence, and examines the role of family farms in modern France.
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