In this drama directed and co-written by Claire Denis, Isabelle Huppert plays Maria, a white woman living in an African nation that has been falling into political chaos. Maria owns a coffee plantation, and regards her property as her personal domain; she would rather fight that give up her land, though her stubborn attitude prevents her from admitting that she's putting those close to her in danger. Maria has a young son with her former husband Andre, and Andre is deeply concerned for the safety of both Maria and their child. Andre lives in France with his new wife and has made plans for both Maria and their son to flee to Europe, but Maria insists that the military will protect her and the other farmers in the area, a belief that seems to be fueled by arrogance rather than fact. White Material received its North American premiere at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival.