Taking a politically commited look at the social problems touching hospitals, schools, the police, prison and AIDS in France, Samuel Bollendorf now explores the struggles of the so-called mal logés (poorly housed). 3.6 million people are classified as such, lacking a permanent address, living in shelters, crammed into overcrowded and insufficiently heated and poorly kept apartments. As a result, more than 5,000 children suffer from lead poisoning. How can one share their stories while keeping their dignity intact? By letting them speak.

Winner of the Prix Europa 2011 for best online project and the Grand Prix Communication & Entreprise 2011, the web documentary À l’abri de rien (English title: Nowhere Safe), is an investigation into the housing problem in France. The documentary, which required nine months of work on the ground, offers a portrait of fifteen individuals and families living in extreme conditions. The portraits are presented in large format (3x2m and 4x15m) and respond to specific themes. The posters are currently hanging from the locks and bridges of the Canal Saint Martin in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. They will remain there through April 8, and are accompanied by statistics on the poorly housed taken from a report by the Fondation Abbé Pierre, for which the film was produced.

On April 5 the photographer will be at the FNAC des Ternes in Paris to present photographs on the same theme.

Bernard Perrine
Bernard.Perrine1@orange.fr

Exhibition

"A l'abri de rien"

Through June 5

Galerie photo Fnac des Ternes

26-60 avenue des Ternes

75017 Paris

Gallery opening

Thursday, April 5 at 18h30