Serie - Daughers of fire : A new series from August 28 at 21.10 on France 2

By Mulder, 09 august 2023

A spectacular new TV series, Filles du Feu (Daughters of Fire), is set to bring to life the little-known story of women accused of witchcraft in the Basque Country in 1609. Created by visionary producer Stéphanie Carrère and brilliant writers Giulia Volli and Maïté Sonnet, the series promises to plunge viewers into a captivating saga where independence, knowledge and the struggle for survival are intriguingly intertwined.

As the series prepares to unveil its first episodes on August 28, the behind-the-scenes story reveals a deep and passionate collaboration between the creative minds behind the series and the artistic team at France Télévisions. The talented and committed director, Magaly Richard-Serrano, joined the project from the outset, bringing a contemporary perspective and a deep understanding of the fighting and resilient heroines.

The setting is Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a region where women have been burned in the name of witchcraft. These women, known for their knowledge, healing skills and independence, find themselves at the heart of a patriarchal and superstitious society. The Daughters of fire series aims to honor their memory and reveal the similarities between the challenges they faced in 1609 and contemporary struggles for women's equality and autonomy.

More than a simple historical re-enactment, Daughters of fire strives to demystify the stereotypes and prejudices that have surrounded witch figures throughout history. The series explores the diversity of women who were labelled witches at the time, highlighting their stories of rebellion, emancipation and resistance in the face of an intolerant society.

The Daughters of fire project was born of the creators' fascination with this dark period in history and the desire to give a voice back to these forgotten women. As the #MeToo movement continues to shake the foundations of society, the series offers a platform to examine the historical roots of gender inequality and to challenge oppressive power patterns.

Natural and historical settings, such as the Ortillopitz house, the Zugarramurdi cave, the Socoa fort and the royal castle of Cazeneuve, add authentic depth to the series' visual experience. The production team, made up of actors, technicians and extras largely from the Basque region, has invested its heart and soul in bringing this poignant story to life.

Daughters of fire series not only tells the forgotten story of these women, but also offers a contemporary reflection on current issues. It embodies an ode to sisterhood, a celebration of female resilience and an opportunity to explore the similarities between past and present struggles.

As the world eagerly awaits the Daughters of fire release, the creators, cast and production team hope the series will help broaden audiences' horizons and elevate the dialogue about women's place in society, then and now. The series promises to be more than just entertainment, but an immersive experience that educates, inspires and prompts reflection.

Episodes:

Episode 1: Witches only eat apples
1609, the three Elissalde sisters live free in the Basque country. Jeannette, the eldest, has always refused to follow in their mother's footsteps as the region's healer. Catherine runs a flourishing shipping business that arouses the jealousy of the lord of Urtubie. Finally, Morguy, naive and dreamy, struggles to find her place. Their world threatens to collapse when Judge Pierre de Lancre arrives, on a mission from the king to drive witches out of the Basque country.

Episode 2: Magicians' bodies are always imperfect
After the wedding at Château d'Urtubie, Judge de Lancre launches a region-wide witch-hunt for Gratianne's accomplices. Jeannette, accused of witchcraft, narrowly escapes torture and discovers that she can count on her old flame, Damien, who has recently returned home. As Catherine and Jeannette search for a way to escape, they realize to their horror that Morguy is under the spell of De Lancre.   

Episode 3: The Devil still wants to imitate God 
De Lancre goes on trial after trial, determined to find the person responsible for the murder of the soldier found in the forest. To survive, Jeannette and Catherine find new allies in the village and château, and begin to resist the judge's authority. Under the influence of De Lancre, Morguy tastes the intoxication of power.  

Episode 4: The Sabbath dance is the most brazen 
Judge de Lancre is desperate to discover the location of the Akelarre, while Jeannette, finally accepting her gift, organizes the preparations in secret. Freed from D'Urtubie's assaults, Catherine resolves to declare her feelings for Madeleine. But the worst is about to happen when de Lancre entrusts Cariel with a new mission that brings him closer to the butcher than to the doctor.    

Episode 5: Witches make poisons from toads 
Having condemned the women captured at Akelarre to the stake, de Lancre sends the guard into the village houses to keep an eye on every inhabitant. Cariel begins his scientific experiments on female prisoners. Despite the risk, Jeannette tries to free the imprisoned women, and makes a lethal potion for the judge. At the château, Catherine and D'Urtubie have a final duel.  

Episode 6: We are the little girls...
Jeannette wakes up on Cariel's operating table. She uses trickery to buy time and manages to escape from the laboratory thanks to a mutiny of soldiers led by Zephyr. They are joined by the men from the village who have rushed back to the Basque country, led by Catherine. Battle breaks out at the château. De Lancre, threatened, is reluctant to flee and claims one last victim...

https://mulderville.net/images/Series/FillesDuFeu/FillesDufeu_011.jpg

Synopsis: 
1609, Basque country. Three sisters from a long line of healers find their lives endangered by the arrival in the region of Judge Pierre de Lancre, a demonologist commissioned by King Henri IV. Terrified and soon obsessed by women's freedom and knowledge, he leads what will become one of the deadliest witch hunts in France. Plunged into a nightmare, our three sisters find themselves fighting, each in her own way, to survive... Freely inspired by true events. 

Daughters of fire (Format 6 x 52 min)
A series created by Giulia Volli, Maïté Sonnet
with the participation of Magaly Richard-Serrano
Directed by Magaly Richard-Serrano  
Produced by Kwaï (A Fremantle Company)
with the participation of France Télévisions, CNC
With the support of Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Producer Stéphanie Carrère
Head of French Fiction France Télévisions Anne Holmes, Emmanuel Garcia
Program advisors France Télévisions Fabienne Langlois, Carole Le Berre