Quebec cinemas released the highly anticipated comedy-drama film "Francois. e" on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The film charts a controversial premise where a declining 50-year-old scriptwriter fakes a gender transition to secure government production funding.
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Directed by Jean-Francois Asselin and produced by KO24, the project features Louis Morissette as the protagonist Francois, who morphs into Françoise after cynically checking a funding application box.
The production deliberately collaborated with 11 transgender individuals before and behind the camera to navigate potential stereotypes.
This followed intense social media backlash after the trailer debuted in April.
The film balances absurd comedic elements with deep dramatic shifts as the main character faces systemic realities, family tensions, and physical vulnerabilities experienced by the trans community.
Transgender author Gabrielle Boulianne-Tremblay co-wrote the script alongside Jean-Francois Leger.
Actress Pascale Drevillon stars as Sarah, an authentic trans writer who guides the protagonist.
Addressing Initial Backlash
Lead actor Louis Morissette addressed the initial negative public reactions, stating, "The truth is, it's understandable, because it's a community that has been violated in different ways throughout the years.
And there, you see Louis Morissette with a wig, wearing makeup, who is going to play a trans person..."
He explained that the production team sought guidance from the community to establish the correct approach rather than moving forward entirely isolated.
"But we come in peace, come see the film and we will discuss it after," added Morissette.
The film opens with a high-testosterone scene inside an arena locker room shower before transitioning into the main plot where financial desperation drives the central deception.
