Geneva's Hidden Heart: 'Summer Drift' Reclaims City Image

The Swiss-French film 'Summer Drift' premieres at ACID Cannes, focusing on Johanna Schopfer, a Geneva watch factory worker. Her summer project of restoring a vintage VW Beetle evolves into a powerful act of personal and political reclamation. The film masterfully blends documentary elements with autofiction, using reconstructed scenes and staged narratives to explore themes of friendship and identity.

Directed by Céline Carridroit and Aline Suter, 'Summer Drift' was shot on 16mm film, deliberately moving away from Geneva's typical portrayal of banking and diplomacy. Instead, it delves into the city's working-class garages, vibrant queer communities, and hidden celebratory rhythms, offering a new perspective on its identity.

The filmmakers explain that incorporating fiction was essential, as Johanna herself often narrates her life through imaginative storytelling. The car's restoration metaphorically parallels Johanna's transition, reflecting her transformation and how she is recognized by different communities. This focus on mechanics became the central narrative thread, allowing exploration of identity, labor, class, and dignity.

Shooting on 16mm was a conscious choice, not just for aesthetic warmth but also for its political significance. It enabled the representation of a trans woman within a cinematic style associated with an era where trans individuals were largely absent from visual narratives. The film also captures disappearing parts of Geneva, serving as an archival record of the rapidly changing city.