Trans rights advocate and media professional Simone Heradien has been cast as a character inspired by the legendary Granny Lee in an upcoming Canadian-South African-Irish film, taking over the role originally intended for the late Soli Philander.
Granny Lee was South Africa’s own “disco granny” — an outrageous and beloved transgender personality who became a fixture in Johannesburg’s gay nightclub scene during the 1980s.
As a member of the Coloured community, she defied both apartheid restrictions and rigid gender norms. Following her death in a car accident in 1989, she was buried as a woman in what was then a “white” cemetery.
International Film Announcement
The Hollywood Reporter officially announced Heradien’s casting on Friday and also revealed that Irish actress Maria Doyle Kennedy (The Tudors, Downton Abbey) will star in the film.
Philander had originally been cast in the role inspired by Granny Lee but was unable to continue due to ill health. They passed away in March.
The as-yet-untitled film tells the fictional story of the estranged mother of an LGBTQ+ son who forms a connection with Lee’s character, described as “a stubborn trans disco queen”.
South African father-and-son directors Ian Gabriel and Gabe Gabriel, known for the 2023 queer road-trip comedy Runs in the Family, are helming the production.
A Personal and Political Milestone
Heradien is not only an outspoken gender and LGBTQ+ rights activist and cabaret artist, but also an experienced media and communications professional. She has worked in journalism, public relations, and marketing for organisations including Daily Sun, the Alliance Française, and the Artscape Theatre Centre.
Heradien acknowledged the significance of making her screen debut in such an iconic role.
“What brings me the greatest joy is the chance to tell a story of motherhood through the perspective of two women, each navigating their own emotional journey rooted in love for their son. These are the kinds of stories the world so urgently needs in an increasingly polarised society. Stories centred on love, humanity, and understanding,” she told MambaOnline.
“More importantly, it is a story that gives visibility to trans people at a time when certain sectors of society would rather silence or erase them. I have news for them: that will not happen. Through my portrayal of this character, these stories and experiences will only be amplified, further complementing my advocacy for gender rights and representation.”
Filmmaker Praises Heradien’s Casting
In a statement to MambaOnline, Gabe Gabriel said he was “thrilled” to cast Heradien, noting that the character was loosely inspired by Lee.
“Aside from being an exceptionally compelling, clever, and considered actress, we felt [Heradien] brought something different and exciting and rooted in shared human truth rather than character impersonation,” said Gabriel.
“To have a Coloured trans actress play this role means the world to us, but beyond that, Simone’s history with advocating for trans rights in South Africa makes this casting all the more meaningful.”
The film is set to begin production later this month in Cape Town.
