Director Anna Muylaert explained that the protagonist’s gender identity would not be a central focus of the narrative
The production of the movie “Geni and Zepelim” announced on Saturday (19) that he will replace actress Thainá Duarte, a Cis woman, with a trans woman for the lead role. Decision was made after a series of criticism that emerged in relation to the initial choice. The work is a cinematic adaptation of the song “Geni and the Zepelim”, which is part of the play “Opera do Malandro”, where Geni is a transvestite.
Director Anna Muylaert, who had chosen Thainá for the role, explained that the protagonist’s gender identity would not be a central focus of the narrative. However, the negative repercussion on social networks led her to reconsider her decision. She recognized the mistake and apologized to both the trans community and actress Thainá. “During the process of creating this movie, we understood that the lyrics of Chico and the tale of Guy de Maupassant, sebo ball – in which he said he was inspired – could have several readings. It could be a trans woman, a single mother, a carrocira from the mill, a president of power without responsibility, a forest attacked daily by opportunists.”
Anna also explained that she had chosen the story of a CIS prostitute in the Amazon. “An inspiration, an influence of Iracema, and even what happens today in Marajó, which the movie Manas portrays,” he said.
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In response to the situation, Thainá Duarte expressed his sadness regarding the pain caused by the discussion, but reaffirmed his support for the struggle for equity and inclusion. “I’m sorry that this choice has hurt both the trans community. Now I understand the size of this claim better.”
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The new actress who will assume the lead role has not yet been released, but filming is scheduled to start in two weeks in Acre. The adaptation of Chico Buarque’s song, which deals with the prejudice faced by Geni, promises to bring a new perspective with this change in the cast.
*Report produced with the aid of AI
Posted by Nátaly Tenório
