Irish actress and singer Maria Doyle Kennedy, celebrated for her performances in prominent television series such as 'Outlander' and 'Downton Abbey,' has secured the leading role in an upcoming film centered on a transgender icon from 1980s South Africa.

This new film, currently titled 'Untitled Granny Lee Film,' is a collaborative effort between Canada, South Africa, and Ireland, with filming scheduled to commence in Cape Town. Doyle Kennedy will portray Irene, a mother seeking reconciliation with her child, Lee, a resilient transgender disco queen brought to life by gender activist Simone Heradien. The narrative draws inspiration from Granny Lee, a pivotal figure in the underground LGBTIQ+ disco scene during the apartheid era in South Africa. The cast also includes Canadian actor Paul Ahmarani and several South African performers, under the direction of the father-son team Ian Gabriel and Gabe Gabriel, with Gabe Gabriel also penning the screenplay.

This cinematic endeavor aims to honor the enduring spirit and defiance of the LGBTIQ+ community, offering a platform for trans visibility and a celebration of love and legacy. Through its portrayal of a significant historical figure, the film seeks to shed light on past injustices, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for diverse experiences, and promoting a message of hope and acceptance for the future.