Head of Social Client Services and Strategy Publicis Italy
Kim Piquet
MSL Group
MSL Group Director
François Rousselet
Division
Director
Matias Boucard
Division
Director Of Photography
Aymeric Colas
Division
Steadycam
Nicolas Larrouquere
Division
Editor
Alexis Fonvieille
Division
Line producer
Sébastien Noyon
Mikrosimage
Vfx producer
Michael Bertoldini
Sizzer
Music Supervisor
Seppl Kretz
Sizzer
Music Producer
Write a short summary of what happens in the film
Francesca is a film about a young girl transitioning through life. Day by day we see her body change, while she becomes increasingly aware of herself and her new identity, which will lead her to fulfill her life's dream in an unexpected way. The final scenes reveal her entering a nunnery, swapping her Diesel denim for a habit, achieving both her own intentions and the pursuit of her faith.
Cultural / Context information for the jury
The Catholic Church has a long history of rejecting and isolating people they don’t see fit. In recent years however, they showed a more progressive approach towards inclusion. As a supporter of inclusion and individual expression, Diesel thinks that Christianity and gender representation shouldn’t exclude each other. After all, there are many Christian-oriented LGBTQI* groups active around the world. Inspired by the true story of Tia Pesando, the woman who’s still waiting on the approval of the Catholic Church to become a nun, in Francesca we go a step further and paint the natural image of a woman happy with finally fulfilling her life-long dream of dedicating her life to God.
Tell the jury about the casting process.
We approached 12 transgender women, having a positive feedback from all. Although they loved the story, 8 of them didn't feel comfortable playing the part of the film in which they were still portrayed as men. Out of the remaining 4, we decided to give the role to Harlow Monroe, who - she said - has always been vocal about her own journey of transitioning, as well as the trials and tribulations surrounding her identity. Our choice reflects the identity of our heroine because she was perfect for empathizing with the character and being aware of the role.