Our conception of social struggles often views popular uprisings as eruptions that, to be “successful,” must bring about ruptures, enact or repeal a law, transform institutions, or change the existing order. The moment of the struggle captures everyone’s attention; its spectacular nature and, at times, its violence command the media’s full focus.  But what happens afterward?

What if the true significance of the event lies elsewhere? What constitutes a successful struggle from the perspective of the women and men who carried it out?

Through this film screening and discussion, we aim to turn our gaze to places where media cameras do not go. In the wake of a struggle, we will examine—through the lens of the Yellow Vests movement—social mobilizations as spaces for building citizenship and, potentially, emancipation.