In the series, Lenni-Kim Lalande plays a 17-year-old singer whose femininity is expressed through her passion for music WEFwhose filming has just finished in Repentigny.
For Zav, who is exploring her gender identity, nothing is certain at first.
This is a current proposal that will surely do useful work by presenting a model of a trans person in full discovery. The 10-part fiction will be broadcast on Unis TV next winter, raising awareness of differences, because such a journey is not something one undertakes willingly or out of a desire to catch up. It is a crucial step for any human who is not born in the right body.
On set, both the lead actor and his castmate Émily Bégin – who plays his vocal coach Nathalie – spoke about the responsibility of telling a story that is authentic, inspirational and respectful of the reality of trans people.
Lenni-Kim Lalande Joël Lemay / QMI Agency
“Zav finds music as a way to explore himself and his identity,” said Lenni-Kim Lalande, who has been involved with music since she was 13. His next English-language EP was also put on hold for the duration of the 28-day shoot.
He is also joined by his character as a singer-songwriter who was going through a “great depression” during the pandemic. “I used my luggage. It’s important to identify with him in some way.
In storylines set in a French Ontarian village, Zav distorts her voice to sound more feminine and anonymously posts songs online to “test her limits,” explained showrunner and screenwriter Maxime Beauchamp. Supported by lyrics by Joëlle Bond and William S. Messier, Anne-Hélène Prévost and Camille Trudel.
Joel Lemay / QMI Agency
The creators drew inspiration from trans or non-binary artists, including Arca and the late Sophie, a pioneer of hyperpop music, to shape Zav and her sonic universe. FEM’s music, performed in French and English, was developed by Emmanuel Alias and Camille Poliquin of Milk & Bone and Kroy.
An important first role
Even before the first audition, Lenni-Kim Lalande questioned whether his gender identity – he is cisgender, the gender assigned at birth is the same as his gender – was an issue for Camping Zav. He delved into the subject.
“I’ve had meetings with trans people, I’ve watched a lot of documentaries to find out as much truth as possible,” said the 21-year-old artist, who is defending his first starring role on the small screen. This also applies to his partner Émily Bégin.
Emily Bégin Joël Lemay / QMI Agency
“By agreeing to coach him, Nathalie reconnects with music. “Zav’s youth, enthusiasm and spirit of discovery inspire him,” said the singer, actress and presenter. His character had only one major hit at age 20, the Eternal play – recorded for the needs of the series – which earned him a Félix. Since then she has taken refuge in consumption.
Marie Soleil Dion plays Zav’s mother, Kim, who “loves her son unconditionally.” “Even though she’s clumsy, she gets right to the point. “It’s a great role, there’s big scenes, emotionality,” she said, adding that the fiction is “neither frontal nor laudatory.”
Marie Soleil Dion Joël Lemay / QMI Agency
Thomas Boonen, Willia Ferland-Tanguay, Chantal Fontaine, Danny Gilmore, Hugo Giroux, Robin L’Houmeau, Devon O’Connor, Luis Oliva and Ellicyane Paradis all star in FEM.
polarization
All of these wonderful people are led by Marianne Farley. The director always selects her projects based on their social importance. “I want my art to serve a purpose and we need to stop seeing difference as something threatening. […] Everything is polarized. The more people there are made aware of the difference, the more people there seem to be who are often afraid of aggression. I find that a little scary.”
Comedian Danny Gilmore with director Marianne Farley just before filming a scene. Joel Lemay / QMI Agency
Producer Patrick Bilodeau has international ambitions for FEM, whose programming will be decidedly cinematic and inspired by music videos. “There’s a lot of requests for young adult content around the world,” he said, aware of all the acquisition that awaits him.