Transpositions by documentary filmmaker Simon Coutu is now streaming on YouTube. This highly topical work explores the rise of transphobia and the weaponization of trans identity in Quebec's political and media discourse. This National Film Board of Canada production is the third installment of its ON FILME documentary initiative, developed specifically for YouTube and presented in four distinct yet complementary formats.
Its goal? To spark meaningful dialogue around this timely issue and engage audiences on the platforms they use every day. Throughout this journey, Simon Coutu finds himself asking how our society can foster dialogue that supports trans well-being and inclusion as well as the use of language that accurately represents trans people and their lived experience.
About the four formats - Transpositions
Short Film (30 min)
Why has transgender identity become such a polarizing subject over the last few years? Why is it so hard to engage in constructive dialogue on this topic? Simon heads out to meet trans people and members of movements attacking what they call "gender ideology."
At a Glance (2 min)
Over the past few years, why have transgender people been subjected to such negative and violent reactions to their identity? Simon explains how he was drawn to this question after covering many different right-wing social movements.
Fireside Chat (44 min)
Along with professor Michel Dorais, a sociologist specializing in sexuality, and Henri-June Pilote, a speaker and content creator, Simon Coutu explores transgender rights, the concept of masculinity, the role of social media in the rise of transphobia and the importance of dialogue that leads to a better understanding of the realities of being trans.
Focus (9 min)
Drawing on her own experience, multi-disciplinary artist Lyraël Dauphin discusses the transitioning process (social, medical and legal) and the challenges she faces, while reflecting on the representation of trans people, discrimination and the roots of misogyny.
About the filmmaker
Simon Coutu is a journalist, director and screenwriter who advocates for an immersive approach that amplifies voices that are rarely heard. He has spent years travelling across Quebec and around the world, reporting on social issues. His credits include Cannabis illégal, winner of the 2019 Judith Jasmin award; the documentary Alphas, which won three Gémeaux awards in 2025; and the podcast Contaminées: la crise des surdoses au Canada.
About the ON FILME initiative
ON FILME is the National Film Board's documentary initiative for YouTube, where the NFB has maintained its own channel for 20 years. Created for the platform's conversational ecosystem, this new initiative sets out to engage audiences in discussion and encourage the building of a space for sharing and experimenting.
The NFB invited three influential personalities from Quebec's digital landscape-Mounir Kaddouri (a.k.a. Maire de Laval), Anne-Lovely Etienne and Simon Coutu-to find a new perspective on a contemporary issue close to their hearts. Each artist has the opportunity to contribute their creativity and unique viewpoint to current public discourse.
After Me, the Deluge by Mounir Kaddouri, about the growing gap between the Quebec cultural industry and young audiences, and Feminisites by Anne-Lovely Etienne, on the dangers of online dating, are now streaming on the NFB's YouTube channel.
All three works produced through ON FILME will be available on nfb.ca as of September 17.
