Allo la France review – romance of French phone booths exposes funding cuts to rural services

In her documentary 'Allo la France,' Floriane Devigne embarks on an evocative road trip that begins with a poignant symbol of the past: the last public telephone booth in Paris. Unlike the more colorful and Instagram-friendly British phone boxes, the French counterparts are typically painted in subdued grey, blending into their environments. As Devigne travels from the bustling capital to remote regions, she captures the gradual disappearance of these once-essential utilities, infusing her journey with a sense of whimsical nostalgia. Rather than relying on conventional interviews, she creatively utilizes the phone booths themselves, engaging with various individuals through phone calls that reveal personal stories of love, longing, and connection. These booths, once vibrant spaces for romantic encounters, now stand neglected, their interiors marred by dirt and graffiti, symbolizing a bygone era of intimacy and communication.

However, the film transcends mere nostalgia as it delves into deeper socio-political issues affecting rural France. During her exploration, Devigne encounters graffiti supporting the far-right National Rally and its leader, Marine Le Pen, hinting at the growing discontent among rural populations. The decline of the telephone boxes serves as a metaphor for broader funding cuts to public services, including hospitals and schools, which have left many rural communities feeling abandoned. Through her lens, Devigne skillfully connects the specific decline of a once-cherished utility to the larger narrative of governmental neglect and the ensuing societal frustrations. 'Allo la France' ultimately emerges as a critical commentary on contemporary legislation and its repercussions, urging viewers to consider the implications of diminishing public amenities in an increasingly divided society. The documentary is available on True Story starting June 27.