A spat has erupted between Mexico and France over a trans gangster musical film called Emilia Pérez. The movie, directed by Jacques Audiard, is up for an Oscar and sparked heated criticism in Mexico, where it is supposedly set.
Critics say the film lacks authenticity due to its French production team and limited Mexican cast. Actress Karla Sofia Gascón, who plays the lead role, is Spanish, while other key actors were born in the US. The film’s portrayal of a trans woman has also been panned by LGBTQ+ advocates, who claim it perpetuates negative stereotypes.
In response to the backlash, Mexican filmmaker Camila Aurora created a satirical video mocking French stereotypes, and screenwriter Héctor Guillén, who previously criticized Emilia Pérez, was involved in the project. Audiard later apologized for the film’s impact during its Mexican premiere, stating that it was an “opera” meant to shock audiences.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jan/28/mexicans-make-emilia-perez-parody-poking-fun-at-french-stereotypes