Sixteen black actresses locked arms and strutted across the 2018 Cannes Film Festival red carpet to protest racism in the French movie industry, AFP  reports.

The women were led by Aïssa Maïga to the steps of the Palias des Festivals where they stood with their fists in the air. The group included Nadège Beausson-Diagne, Rachel Khan, Mata Gabin, Maïmouna Gueye, Eye Haïdara, Sara Martins, Marie-Philomène Nga, Sabine Pakora, Firmine Richard, Sonia Rolland, Magaajyia Silberfeld, Shirley Souagnon, Assa Sylla, Karidja Touré and France Zobda.

The women were also promoting a book, Being Black Is Not My Job (Noire N'est Pas Mon Métier in French), that documents the racism the actresses have experienced during their careers.

"I was moved to act by the spirit of the times," Maïga said during a press conference following the action.

Beausson-Diagne, star of France’s highest grossing film Welcome To The Sticks, gave examples of the racism she experienced during casting. She says she was asked if she spoke “African” and was told, "You can't play her, she's a lawyer." She says she's also been told she is lucky to “have fine features and you are not negroid, not too black."

All of the women were dressed by Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing, who purposely adorned the women in black, white and silver gowns in what he calls a “Balmain army.” Rousteing, the first black man to hold his position in the fashion house’s history, relates to their struggle.

“Their book is filled with many instances of humor and strength — but there were a few pages that made me recall similar moments, comments or stupidity that I have faced,” he told WWD. “I’m glad their movement is being listened to — they have some important truths to tell — and we owe them a big thanks for working to make us hear those truths.”

He isn’t the only one happy the women's stories are coming to light: according to Maïga, the book has sold out in France.

“We realize this is the moment,” she said. “Everybody’s out there rooting for us.”