Published by Maman Thilor Sambe, October 24, 2025
Released in 2025, "The Fabulous Women or the Matilda Effect" is a theatrical documentary by Elisabeth Bouchaud that explores the mechanisms of invisibility of women in the scientific world, a phenomenon known as the "Matilda Effect". This hybrid work combines video recordings, performed pieces, and narratives to pay tribute to three great forgotten female figures: Rosalind Franklin, Lise Meitner, and Jocelyn Bell. Each of these scholars made decisive contributions to major discoveries, but saw her recognition eclipsed in favor of male colleagues.
The documentary relies on an immersive and pedagogical staging that blends artistic performances, historical archives, interviews, and analysis. The story of Rosalind Franklin, for example, is presented through the cover of Radium (X-ray crystallography), the mystery of DNA. That of Lise Meitner, a Nobel Prize winner excluded, engages a deep reflection on the context of war, eye, and discrimination at the heart. Jocelyn Bell, at the time of discovery of pulsars, embodies crucial work in the discovery of the structure of DNA. This of Lise Meitner, Nobel Prize winner excluded, engages a deep reflection on the context of war, eye, and discrimination at the heart. Jocelyn Bell, at the time of discovery of pulsars, embodies work crucial in the discovery of pulsars.
Film about three African-American mathematicians who contributed to space missions. Shows their struggle against racism and sexism.
Biopic about Marie Curie, her discoveries in radiation and her revolutionary contributions to science.
Documentary highlighting the scientific contributions of women whose works were appropriated by others, completes the investigation with the discovery of pulsars.
Theatrical documentary by Elisabeth Bouchaud that explores the mechanisms of women's invisibility in science, with historical examples.
