Jean-Pascal Zadi’s Netflix Series ‘Represent’ Imagines France’s First Black President

Jean-Pascal Zadi’s new Netflix series, Represent, centers on a youth leader who runs to become France’s first Black president. The show mixes humor with important social issues. It explores the challenges of Black identity and politics in modern France.

Created by Zadi alongside Lupin writer François Uzan, Represent highlights questions rarely seen on French screens. Zadi stars as the main character, using comedy to spark conversations about race and power.

From ‘Simply Black’ to Mainstream Recognition

Zadi first gained notice with his comedy film Simply Black, which won Best Male Revelation four years ago. That film humorously tackled the experiences of Black people living in France. Since then, Zadi’s work has reached a wider audience.

At the French César Awards this March, Zadi introduced Hollywood star Julia Roberts with a humorous speech. His role there and in promotional skits marks him as a rising figure in French culture, even though he says he still feels somewhat on the margins.

Early Life and the Roots of Zadi’s Storytelling

Born in 1980 in Bondy, a suburb of Paris, Zadi grew up in Caen, Normandy, as one of ten siblings. His parents came from the Ivory Coast. Zadi recalls being the only Black family in his neighborhood and facing many struggles.

His mother prepared him early to face racial challenges. She introduced her children to Black culture and films like Cry Freedom, shaping their awareness. “She anchored in us the fact that we were Black and that was going to turn our destinies upside-down,” Zadi said.

From Documentary Filmmaker to Comedy and Television Star

As a student, Zadi experienced discrimination firsthand. Once, a shop owner denied needing help despite an advertised vacancy. “That day, the penny dropped,” Zadi recalled. “I understood that rather than asking for things, I was going to have to act.”

He bought a camera on credit and made his first documentary about the French rap scene in 2005. Since then, he has created several low-budget films and contributed to French TV shows like Canal+’s Le before du grand journal.

The Power of ‘Simply Black’ and French Black Identity

Zadi has said that Simply Black struck a chord with many French Black actors. He humorously admits bluffing to get stars like Omar Sy involved. “We’re going to show them we’re united,” said Sy after agreeing to join.

Zadi points out that French Black identity is less discussed compared to Black American identity. “Black French identity is tied up with colonization, which brings us together but also separates us,” he said. His work highlights these complex feelings.

New Projects and Continuing the Conversation on Race

Zadi’s production company, Douze Doigts Productions, is preparing several projects. These include Le grand déplacement, a sci-fi film about an all-African space mission, set to release in June. He is also developing an adaptation of Boris Vian’s novel I Spit On Your Graves.

Zadi remains committed to telling stories about Black identity in France. “Being Black and living in France has marked me deeply,” he said. His films and shows open up space for honest discussions about race and culture.