Trials of the Century – To Our Humanity!
Season 6
From Monday, November 16, 2026 to Monday, March 15, 2027
What if we all questioned the struggles, issues and shortcomings of our contemporary societies in the form of a real-life mock trial involving experts, witnesses and exhibits from the Mucem collections?
This season of *Trials of the Century* examines our ability to (re)build humanity in the face of the climate, authoritarian, individualistic, and technological threats that are multiplying around the world. Fear exacerbates the temptations of isolation, selfishness, and conflict. Today’s struggles defend hard-won rights but no longer succeed in securing new human rights or rights for all living things. How can we act collectively, how can we live and build together today and tomorrow? What if we wished for more humanity?
A series of events conceived and produced by the Mucem and moderated by Rokhaya Diallo, Nora Hamadi, or François Saltiel.
Events (16)
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The Inquiry Commission
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
The Commission of Inquiry is a forum for reflection and discussion, in connection with the Trials of the Century.
A production led, depending on the dates, by Grégoire Ingold (director) and Fabienne Jullien (actress), or Carla Azoulay Zerah (actress) and Loïc Renard (actor).
During this workshop, which is open to everyone, participants engage in creative thinking, explore different perspectives, and embody various life experiences. Over the course of half a day, they explore the topic of the next Trial of the Century and learn, together, to develop arguments and testimonies, some of which may be presented in court and debated during the next Trial of the Century. Somewhere between the art of persuasion and theater, *The Commission of Inquiry* provides a civil...
A few comments from participants: “I enjoyed analyzing a topic that is close to my heart, in a friendly atmosphere and with very professional facilitation.” “For me, commissions of inquiry are a civic space for sharing in the plural: sharing points of view, points of life, experiences, sensitivities, knowledge and ways of articulating the realities that surround us… It’s a political exercise that takes place in a convivial atmosphere, through encounters. What...Le Saturday, Nov 14, 2026
Jusqu'au Saturday, Mar 13, 2027de 14h à 18h
Fort Saint-Jean / MucemLab
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How Can We Communicate Effectively?
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
In a polarized world saturated with words, is it still possible to engage in dialogue?
A session moderated by Nora Hamadi. Featuring Mathilde Imer, a carpenter and environmental activist, and Frédéric Taddeï, a journalist.
In the age of the internet and social media, words have never spread so easily and quickly. Anyone can make their voice and opinions heard on a large scale in record time. But do these voices actually connect in a polarized, fractured society? What about dialogue and debate? Can we still truly manage to talk to one another—even when we disagree? With just a few months to go before the French presidential election, and in the face of the divisions and tensions affecting France, the United...On Monday, Nov 16, 2026
de 19h à 20h30
J4 / Auditorium
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La Commission d'enquête with J'crains dégun
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
As part of the J’Crains Dégun festival, the Commission d’enquête will be held at the Friche Belle de Mai
The hearing of the Commission of Inquiry related to the “Trial of the Century” on Monday, November 30 —Child Sexual Abuse: From Isolated Incidents to Systemic Crimes —will take place during the festival J’Crains Dégun, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Gender Minorities—an initiative organized by Planning Familial 13, CIDFF Phocéen, and Solidarité Femmes 13. This session will take place on Saturday, November 21, at the Friche Belle de Mai. Practical...
The Commission of Inquiry is a forum for reflection and discussion, in connection with the Trials of the Century. During this workshop, which is open to everyone, participants engage in creative thinking, explore different perspectives, and embody various life experiences. Over the course of half a day, they explore the topic of the next Trial of the Century and learn, together, to develop arguments and testimonies, some of which may be presented in court and debated during the next Trial...On Saturday, Nov 21, 2026
de 14h30 à 18h
Out of doors
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News, Media: Where Has Pluralism Gone?
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
How can we ensure media pluralism, an indisputable pillar of our democratic values?
A session moderated by François Saltiel. Featuring Fabrice Arfi, journalist, and Nathalie Sonnac, professor of information and communication sciences.
In this age of social media, digital platforms, and 24/7 news channels, one might expect that the abundance of information would go hand in hand with a diversity of viewpoints. And yet. The media sector is currently facing crises that are undermining the principles of independence and pluralism and calling into question its ability to protect our democratic values. Concentration of ownership in the hands of a few private players, criticism and attacks on public broadcasting, and ideological...
In case of a large crowd, a live stream will be available in the forum. After the event, please head to the table at the Mucem bookstore for a book signing. A bar and light refreshments will be available on site.On Monday, Nov 23, 2026
de 19h à 20h30
J4 / Auditorium
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Child Sexual Abuse: From Isolated Incidents to Systemic Crimes
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
Sexual Abuse of Children: Facing Reality and Taking Action.
A session moderated by Rokhaya Diallo. Featuring Marie Grimaud, attorney, and Frédéric Pommier, journalist.
Abuse in schools and after-school programs, incest within families, organized networks, crimes, and assaults… Sexual violence against children is increasingly making headlines. The growing number of revelations and the scale of these incidents are as shocking as they are alarming. Long treated as a series of isolated incidents, these acts of violence compel us to examine the system that links them and to question the mechanisms that allow them to continue. Through victims’ testimonies, news...
In case of a large crowd, a live stream will be available in the forum. After the event, please head to the table at the Mucem bookstore for a book signing. A bar and light refreshments will be available on site.On Monday, Nov 30, 2026
de 19h à 20h30
J4 / Auditorium
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Human Trafficking and Slavery: An Irreversible Evil?
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
What are the realities of modern-day slavery, and how can we combat these forms of exploitation?
A session moderated by Nora Hamadi. Featuring Cécile Allegra, journalist and filmmaker, and Alizée Depierre, sociologist.
Human trafficking, forced labor, cyber slavery, forced marriage, child exploitation, domestic slavery… While an estimated 50 million people worldwide are victims of modern slavery, they remain largely invisible. To mark the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on December 2, this episode of “Trials of the Century” examines the persistence of slavery and the roots of this taboo that the modern world must confront.
After the meeting, join us for a signing session at the Mucem Librairie-boutique.On Monday, Dec 7, 2026
de 19h à 20h30
J4 / Auditorium
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AI: You Can't Stop Progress
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
AI: Between Unlimited Progress and Environmental and Societal Crises.
A session of “Trials of the Century” moderated by François Saltiel. Featuring Lou Welgryn, activist and executive director of Data for Good.
As the construction of data centers is booming at the expense of natural and suburban areas, people are speaking out and citizen opposition is gaining traction. While artificial intelligence seems to promise immortality, infinity, and boundless progress—with ever-increasing amounts of data, knowledge, speed, and power—it is far from being disembodied and requires human and natural resources, energy, and space to function. And it comes up against our own limitations—both environmental and...
After the meeting, join us for a signing session at the Mucem Librairie-boutique.On Monday, Dec 14, 2026
de 19h à 20h30
J4 / Auditorium
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Queer Attitude: Love, Glory, and Struggle
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
While the media celebrates queer culture, LGBTQIA+ rights are on the decline—the struggle continues.
A session of “Trials of the Century” moderated by Rokhaya Diallo.
While the show *Drag Race France* has been thrilling millions of households and propelling queer culture to the forefront of public visibility since 2022, France remains stuck in 15th place in the European LGBTQIA+ rights ranking (ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map 2026) with a score of about 61%, reflecting a long period of stagnation compared to the progress made by other countries. It even rose to the rank of “anti-gender” funding champion behind Hungary in 2025. This paradox reflects the global...
After the meeting, join us for a signing session at the Mucem Librairie-boutique.On Monday, Jan 11, 2027
de 19h à 20h30
J4 / Auditorium
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Addictions: Who Benefits from Getting High?
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
Finally, let's take care of our societies, which are being eroded by addiction.
A session moderated by Nora Hamadi.
Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, medications, social media, gambling… Have we all become addicted? Mental illness is on the rise, vulnerabilities are increasing, and the pursuit of performance and immediate gratification has become a never-ending quest… Are our societies today designed to foster addiction? What are the mechanisms—both individual and, above all, societal—for defusing the traps of addiction? There is an urgent need to develop alternatives so that our quest for well-being no...On Monday, Jan 18, 2027
de 19h à 20h30
J4 / Auditorium
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Have we given up on an inclusive school?
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
Inclusive Education: Between Egalitarian Ideals and Real-World Realities.
A session of “Trials of the Century” moderated by François Saltiel.
While schools have long been seen as places of equal opportunity and empowerment through education, this ideal of inclusion seems to have fizzled out. Rather than empowering students, schools are accused of reinforcing social determinism; they are expected to welcome all students with their unique characteristics, but can they achieve this in the face of overcrowded classrooms, reduced resources, and a shortage of teachers? Faced with complex realities on the ground, can schools still be...On Monday, Jan 25, 2027
de 19h à 20h30
J4 / Auditorium
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Masculinism: A Threat to Be Taken Seriously
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
How does the manosphere fuel an increasingly radical form of masculinism?
A session of “Trials of the Century” moderated by Rokhaya Diallo.
Last January, the High Council for Gender Equality sounded the alarm in its 2026 Report, titled “The Masculist Threat.” This summer, the DGSI spoke out to warn about the terrorist dimension of the radical masculinist movement in France. Perpetrators are younger than before—as young as 14 or 15—radicalization is occurring more rapidly, and increasingly violent messages are being posted on TikTok and Instagram. Masculinism is nothing new. Born out of a so-called “crisis of masculinity,” this...
After the meeting, join us for a signing session at the Mucem Librairie-boutique.On Monday, Feb 1, 2027
de 19h à 20h30
J4 / Auditorium
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Can democracy still be defended?
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
As democracies falter, how can we preserve them and give them new momentum?
A session moderated by Nora Hamadi.
In a world where attacks on democratic regimes are on the rise, the defenses that had seemed to protect democracy until now have appeared to be weakened. Authoritarian or illiberal regimes, institutions and the rule of law under siege, control over the media: has democracy run out of steam? Caught between a loss of trust and resistance, this gathering explores the possibilities of rethinking this shared heritage.On Monday, Feb 8, 2027
de 19h à 20h30
J4 / Auditorium
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How can you feed yourself without dying?
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
Feeding the world without depleting or poisoning the planet: the challenge of sustainable agriculture.
A session moderated by
Is it still possible to feed 8 billion people without destroying the planet or depleting its resources? Given the scale of the challenge, concern is justified, and the scientific community regularly sounds the alarm. Between intensive crop selection, massive use of pesticides, and excessive mechanization, the consequences are unprecedented: widespread pollution of soil, water, and crops; growing health risks—particularly for farmers themselves; and declining biodiversity. Yet an urgent...
After the meeting, join us for a signing session at the Mucem Librairie-boutique.On Monday, Feb 15, 2027
de 19h à 20h30
J4 / Auditorium
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Can Ecology Be Decolonized?
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
Environmentalism in the Context of Colonial Legacies: How Can We Ensure Justice in the Face of Environmental Crises?
A session moderated by Jade Lindgaard.
Ecological catastrophes, climate change, environmental disasters: the environmental issue is global. Yet the responsibilities and consequences are not. Between the countries that have built their prosperity on the exploitation of resources and those that are now suffering the effects of climate change, colonial legacies still weigh heavily on environmental action. How can we rethink environmental justice to better address these historical inequalities and redress them? Is it possible to...On Monday, Mar 1, 2027
de 19h à 20h30
J4 / Auditorium
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Free Women, Outdated Women
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
Women Over 50: Marginalization or Emancipation?
A session moderated by Rokhaya Diallo.
In the collective imagination, are turning 50 and menopause seen as a sign that women have reached the end of their usefulness? Invisible in the media and on screen, relegated to the status of “expired” or less desirable objects, they suffer a double punishment: that of disappearing from dominant narratives and that of being reduced to demeaning stereotypes. Yet, far from resigning themselves to this marginalization, many women transform this stage of life into an act of liberation. They...On Monday, Mar 8, 2027
de 19h à 20h30
J4 / Auditorium
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The Battle of Laughter
Trials of the Century - To Our Humanity!
Laughter: A Weapon of Resistance or a Tool of Domination?
A session moderated by François Saltiel.
Donald Trump, who was caricatured last April in AI-generated videos circulated by the Iranian regime, has been caught in his own trap. This “troll-like” laugh, which has traveled from the fringes of the internet to the highest echelons of power, now serves as a vehicle for a fascist ideology. At the same time, the May hiatus of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show—an iconic American television program known for its biting take on the powerful—shows that spaces for defiance against authority are...On Monday, Mar 15, 2027
de 19h à 21h
J4 / Auditorium
Media partner
Previous seasons of *Les Procès du siècle* are available as podcasts and through Benoît Guillaume’s comic strips, so you won’t miss a thing from this incredible forum for deliberation at the intersection of debate, theater, and judicial investigation.
The trials of the century in comic strips
View all available readings (25)
The trials of the century podcast
View all available podcasts (0)
Les Procès du siècle — Oser l'utopie
Cette quatrième saison des Procès du siècle propose d’explorer les utopies concrètes et réelles, les nouveaux modèles à inventer pour avancer vers plus de démocratie, plus d’écologie, plus de solidarité.
Pour vivre mieux, ensemble.
Cette saison 4 parlera d’éducation, de soin, de numérique, d’économie, d’architecture, d’agriculture, de circulations, de respect, de consentement, d’intelligence artificielle, des arbres et des oiseaux. Nous essaierons même parfois d’en rire.
Les Procès du siècle — Luttes en partage
La saison 3 des Procès du siècle en podcast
Une série de rencontres imaginée et produite par le Mucem en collaboration avec Grégoire Ingold.
Un podcast produit et réalisé par Copie Carbone et illustré par Benoît Guillaume
Les procès du siècle — Féminismes, genres, minorités.
Une série de rencontres imaginée et produite par le Mucem.
Réunissant témoins, spécialistes et pièces à conviction, Les Procès du siècle ouvrent un espace d’échanges citoyens.
Après une première saison consacrée aux questions environnementales, cette deuxième saison est dédiée aux minorités dominées, et à leurs manières de s’exprimer, de résister, de revendiquer leurs droits.
Le Procès du siècle, délibérations citoyennes !
Comment parler des bouleversements récents qui touchent nos vies, nos sociétés, notre environnement ? Que disent-ils de notre rapport au temps et à l’espace ? Comment nous situons-nous aujourd’hui au cœur du monde et du vivant ? Quelles mutations, quelles révolutions sont à espérer ou à craindre ?
Le Procès du siècle appelle à la barre plaignants, accusés, témoins et avocats. Il en appelle avant tout à ses jurés, les citoyens.