Une Pure Coïncidence

Film-maker Romain and fellow poker players Alain, Olivier and Nicolas have been friends since their militant days in 1967. Learning of a human trafficking operation in central Paris, they set about filming their own 'direct action' (Operation Potemkin) against it. Placing the extortion HQ (a fake 'change' bureau) under surveillance, they bug and finally rob the place in search of incriminating evidence before leaving a smoke bomb to attract police attention. The film-makers include DV documentary footage of their preparations and family life, and provide an epilogue with a legal advocate who advises them to point out in the credits that any resemblance to real events is 'purely coincidental' to avoid criminal claims. Exciting, intriguing and different - but is it for real?