As the 2026 edition of ACID Cannes, a prestigious event in independent cinema, approaches, we had the honor of attending an exclusive meeting with the talented directors Céline Carridroit and Aline Suter. Their work, Virages, which captivated the audience, addresses profound and current themes, shedding light on intimate and universal stories through the character of Johanna. These sensitive escapes, revealing a complex humanity, firmly fit into the contemporary questioning of identity and authenticity.
This year, the Cannes Film Festival has given way to a captivating work, Virages, carried by the Geneva-based directors Céline Carridroit and Aline Suter. This film, selected for ACID Cannes, explores the life of Johanna, a Colombian transgender woman, through a narration that mixes humor, sensitivity, and depth. During an exclusive meeting with the two filmmakers, we had the opportunity to explore the key themes of their film and understand their artistic vision.
The genesis of the project: meeting Johanna
For Carridroit and Suter, Virages is not just a film; it’s a personal story. The directors met Johanna through her neighbor, Rocco, who filmed her performances. It was love at first sight. Johanna stands out with her sharp humor and uniqueness. Discovering her personality was enriching for the directors. They realized it was essential to let Johanna express herself freely, without ever pushing her too much. This choice resulted in a palpable authenticity in the film.
Throughout this project, Johanna has shared her experience of daily life, from her work in watchmaking to her passions. These led her to restore a 2CV to transform it into a racing car. This dream, to participate in a competition at Spa-Francorchamps, embodies her quest for freedom and self-affirmation.
A city revealed through a character
Through Virages, Geneva also comes to life. This city, often associated with luxury, is portrayed in a new light. Carridroit and Suter aimed to reveal the less visible facets of its personality. Throughout the scenes, we discover a mix of modern architecture and more authentic neighborhoods, a duality that reflects that of Johanna. The contrasts between a bourgeois image and a more underground reality are palpable.
The directors use iconic sites in the city, such as the Kugler factory, to enrich the film’s narrative. These places are steeped in history and play a key role in Johanna’s identity. By highlighting them, they offer a fresh perspective on Geneva, far from the usual clichés. This exploration accompanies the character’s inner struggle, representative of the identity conflicts many can identify with.
Art as a means of expression
Johanna is also an artist. She uses drawing to express pains and significant memories from her past. This creative dimension resonates with her journey. Indeed, she has drawn for the Geneva magazine with her comic strip La Trans-dessinée, where she shares her personal anecdotes.
Thus, drawing becomes a valuable tool, accessible to those wishing to understand her inner struggles. Through this medium, Johanna reveals layers of her story that are often invisible at first glance. This artistic approach adds richness to the film and allows the audience to connect more deeply with her while steering clear of a too-conventional narrative.
An upcoming impact: the release of Virages
The film, after being selected for ACID, is ready to conquer the general public. A distributor is already in place in Switzerland, and Virages could soon be shown in theaters. Expectations are high, particularly regarding a release in France, which the directors desire. Thanks to the meticulous work of Carridroit and Suter, this film promises to open a dialogue on often-avoided subjects.
Through their approach, they testify to the ability of cinema to capture the magic of the ordinary. By observing Johanna’s life, the viewer discovers a story rich in emotions and reflections. The directors seem to have succeeded in highlighting the true essence of their protagonist, through a bold film that aims to be both an intimate portrait and a critique of contemporary societies.
Exclusive meeting at ACID Cannes 2026: Céline Carridroit and Aline Suter around Virages
During the 2026 edition of ACID Cannes, Céline Carridroit and Aline Suter captivated the audience with their film Virages, a poignant work that explores the challenges and triumphs of a young transgender woman, Johanna, through the lens of the city of Geneva. Their meeting with the audience revealed fascinating anecdotes about their creative process, their desire to shed light on often-ignored issues, and their genuine commitment to the authenticity of the narrative.
At the heart of this discussion, the directors shared their approach to directing actors and their willingness to let Johanna express herself freely, thus giving the film remarkable depth. They explained how their encounter with Johanna, and the journey that followed, profoundly influenced the narrative and how they chose to capture the magic of the ordinary in a cinematic documentary.
This moment of exchange was also an opportunity to emphasize the importance of authentic narratives that emerge from diversity, and how Virages positions itself as a fresh perspective on a often-stereotyped society. Conversations about the challenges faced by marginalized individuals resonated strongly with the audience, reflecting a growing need for visibility and empathy in the artistic community.
In summary, the presentation of Virages at ACID Cannes 2026 not only allowed for the discovery of a film of great sensitivity but also highlighted the passions and commitments of the directors. Their work makes complete sense in a context where art can become a powerful vector for social change and a deeper understanding of the human condition.
