A Man's Skin (Peau d'Homme)

In 1480, Princess Blanche is devastated when her father arranges her marriage to Melchior, a coarse army commander she barely knows. Her godmother offers an extraordinary solution: a mysterious skin that, when worn, transforms Blanche into a man, allowing her to meet her future husband incognito and discover who he really is.

Adapted from Hubert and Zanzim’s acclaimed graphic novel, this exuberant feminist and queer musical is a dazzling feat of filmmaking from Léa Domenach, balancing romance, comedy and social commentary with infectious visual invention. The film’s sumptuous colours, irresistible songs and playful choreography, the film is a joyous homage to the musical fantasies of Jacques Demy, while chiselled dialogue give the film a definite contemporary tone.

Led by celebrated French singer Pomme, and with Catherine Deneuve bringing her unmistakable presence to a daring and deliciously unexpected key role, A Man’s Skin is by turns hilarious, tender and exhilarating. With its joyful challenge to gender roles and conventions of desire, A Man’s Skin transforms a medieval fable into a sparkling, liberating celebration of identity, love and the freedom to become who you are.

French Embassy & Alliance Française de Cork Film Screening.