Perspective

The woman who first theorised the idea of the male gaze has spoken to FRANCE 24 about her delight that her theories still resonate so much today. British feminist film theorist Laura Mulvey first wrote her essay back in 1975. But she says the phrase captured the popular imagination and has found its place in other areas of the arts. She spoke to us in Perspective about the positive and negative changes her theories have brought about.

A Grammy-winning songwriter, singer, guitarist and producer, who is performing in Paris this weekend, has spoken to FRANCE 24 about how he's always trying to make his records better. New York-born Jesse Harris has been working with top stars such as Norah Jones, Melody Gardot, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson and Cat Power. His new album is called "If You Believed in Me" and has enabled him to work for the first time with a full orchestra. His performances are taking place this weekend at the Duc des Lombards venue. He spoke to us in Perspective.

On the day that her memoir is published, Gisèle Pelicot has again spoken of her desire to meet and talk with her ex-husband, who repeatedly drugged her and invited strangers over to their house to rape her. Pelicot's book "A Hymn to Life" covers the full arc of her story, including the trial she went through. In Perspective, we spoke to one of the journalists who has covered her story throughout: Catherine Porter, who is Paris correspondent for The New York Times. She says she knew before she first went to court that the story would resonate across France, but that Pelicot's decision to waive her anonymity really opened the door to her trial having an impact worldwide.

Russia is accused of "aggressively recruiting" people from across the African continent to fight on the front lines in Ukraine. The investigation unit INPACT/All Eyes on Wagner says it has evidence of nearly 1,500 soldiers from 35 countries who have been recruited by Russia, over 300 of whom who have been killed in battle. The organisation says the real numbers are probably far higher as Russia has set up a fraud travel agency to con people into travelling there with the promise of high salaries, only to find themselves serving in the Russian army. We spoke to Lou Osborn in Perspective.

On a day when NATO has promised new help for Ukraine, while thousands more people in the country have been left without power after Russian attacks, a Ukrainian analyst has offered his hopes to FRANCE 24. Peter Zalmayev, director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative, says he is not very hopeful that the US tone has changed decisively since last year, when US Vice President JD Vance laid into European leaders. Zalmayev, however, did welcome the new additional support for Ukraine announced by NATO members. We spoke to him in Perspective.

The director of a film that celebrates the resistance of the Hazara people in Afghanistan has spoken about his work ahead of its screening at a festival in Paris on Thursday. "Kamay" follows a Hazara family as they embark on a journey for truth and justice after their daughter Zahra mysteriously dies at Kabul University. Director Ilyas Yourish says their plight is a symbol of the Hazara people's resistance against whoever is in control in Kabul. The film is being shown this Thursday at Sciences Po University. Yourish spoke to us in Perspective. 

Charities and NGOs are urging the world to do more to prevent a looming catastrophe in Sudan. With the country in an almost three-year-long civil war, the Norwegian Refugee Council is amongst those saying the people of South Kordofan region are now at the centre of the fighting. Humanitarian groups say they can safely get aid in, if only they had the funds for that aid. In Perspective, we spoke to Mathilde Vu, Sudan Advocacy Manager for the Norwegian Refugee Council.

A podcast host who has been exploring what it takes to be a good boss has spoken to FRANCE 24 about his findings. Andrew Palmer, management columnist for The Economist and host of the podcast Boss Class, says problems often arise when people are promoted into management – not because they are suited to it, but because they excelled in their previous role. The challenge is that the skills required to succeed in management can be very different from those needed in other positions. He spoke to us in Perspective.

A renowned Irish artist who currently has two exhibitions showing in Paris has spoken to FRANCE 24 about her work. Ailbhe Ní Bhriain is known for her big, bold dramatic works of art as she uses all sorts of materials including silk, wool, cotton and lurex. She aims to create what she calls an emblem of industry, empire and permanence. Her work is on display at the Irish Cultural Centre and the Andréhn Schiptjenko gallery here in Paris. She spoke to us in Perspective.

Understanding the experience of young people as they cross borders is the aim of a new project. The GRABS project, funded by the European Research Council, is documenting the lives of migrants, but instead of just talking in an interview with the youngsters, it's trying to understand their situation and hopes for the future. To do so, the team is using methods like photography exhibitions and podcasts. In Perspective, we spoke to Dr Glenda Santana de Andrade, from the GRABS team and Paris 8 University, and to one of the photographers taking part, Israel Wabikamba, as one of their exhibitions is on display in Durban, South Africa.