Bilal Hassani takes his first steps in the cinema

For his first film role, Bilal Hassani impresses in Drama Queenswhich was screened at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. This bold, queer and decidedly punk film sees him play a fervent admirer of pop diva, Mimi Madamour. Presented in the spring during the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, this feature film marks for the artist « the opening of this door to the profession of actor »as he told AFP on the Croisette.

But beyond this personal stage, Bilal Hassani says above all « deeply honored » to participate in this work by Alexis Langlois, non-binary filmmaker at the origin of the project.« When I started writing six years ago, I discovered Bilal on YouTube. He recounted his coming out and the difficulties he encountered in college. This inspired me, because YouTubers are, in their own way, the storytellers of our time »explained Alexis Langlois. By chance, Bilal Hassani was himself an admirer of Alexis Langlois' short film, Terror, my sisters!. Their meeting came to fruition thanks to social networks, and it was the filmmaker's producer who campaigned to give Bilal the main role in this film.

Representative of France at Eurovision 2019, Bilal Hassani describes the filming as a real « children's game ». This 1h55 feature film passes like a meteor, mixing various influences, from cartoons to fantasy cinema from the 1970s, all carried by a powerful original soundtrack, including a provocative electro song by Rebeka Warrior.

It is particularly ironic and tasty to see Bilal Hassani play a hysterical YouTuber with malicious intentions, who has been the target of online hatred. However, the artist affirms that he does not perceive this role as a reflection of his experience, but rather as an opportunity to « let off steam while playing an obnoxious character ». He adds: « This passionate fan of a singer suffers from a loneliness that transforms him into a kind of monster. We can't totally blame him. »

Bilal Hassani, however, admits to recognizing himself in certain aspects of this role. He too was a “fan seeking comfort in admiration for his idols”. He notably remembers spending four days secluded in his room after the death of Michael Jackson in 2009.