Antonin Baudry and Simon Abkarian on De Gaulle, the French Box Office Hit: How the Wartime Leader Became a National Icon

Filmmaker Antonin Baudry and actor Simon Abkarian discuss their French box office hit De Gaulle, which explores how Charles de Gaulle transformed from a relatively unknown military officer in 1940 into the embodiment of the French Resistance during World War II. Baudry notes that the national icon did not exist in 1940, and his two-part historical epic aims to fill a gap in cinematic portrayals of this pivotal period. The film, titled De Gaulle: Resistance and Liberty, has resonated with French audiences, becoming a box office success and sparking renewed interest in the wartime leader's early struggles. Abkarian, who portrays de Gaulle, brings depth to a man facing political isolation and personal challenges as he rallies a nation in exile. The conversation highlights why this story matters today: it examines leadership, resilience, and the construction of national identity during crisis. The filmmakers hope the film reminds viewers that even iconic figures were once uncertain voices in the wilderness.