Acting Proximity: The Illusion of Intimacy and Desire

Acting Proximity: The Illusion of Intimacy and Desire

8

Apr

Acting Proximity: The Illusion of Intimacy and Desire

Meetup, Rencontre - Fiction - Winter 2026

Wednesday April 8, 2026
6 pm - 9 pm

Main Film Atelier
2025 Rue Parthenais #304-A, Montréal, Quebec, H2K 3T2

Guests | Mimi Côté, Jen Viens, and Sandrine Brodeur-Desrosiers

Free upon registration


Intimacy on screen gives the impression of inevitability: bodies drawing close, emotions flowing freely. Yet this proximity is a carefully constructed illusion. This session explores the crafting of intimacy and desire as a choreographed, negotiated, and framed process. How can one simulate a believable emotional and physical connection between performers? How can the illusion of abandon be created while still respecting bodies, boundaries, and consent? By focusing on the role of intimacy coordinators, this discussion reveals a fundamental cinematic illusion: spontaneity that, in reality, relies on meticulous precision.

For more information, please send an email to: services@mainfilm.qc.ca 


 

Mimi Côté

Mimi Côté is an intimacy coordinator and choreographer based in Montréal and Toronto. She is certified by Intimacy Coordinators Canada (CAN) and the Intimacy Professionals Association (USA). With over 15 years of experience as an actress and stunt performer across a wide range of demanding North American sets—including film, television, theatre, commercials, and video games—she has developed deep expertise in preparing and executing scenes involving nudity, simulated sex, and/or sensitive content.

In her approach, Mimi places great importance on celebrating the performers who bring these scenes to life on screen, as well as their creators. Her commitment is to provide productions with guidance that meets the highest industry standards for on-screen intimacy while fostering optimal working environments for all. She firmly believes that the most memorable stories arise from dignity, creativity, and the courage to take risks.


Jen Viens

Jen Viens is a queer, non-binary intimacy coordinator, filmmaker, and coach with over fifteen years of experience in film, television, and theatre. Their career began in live performance and quickly expanded to directing, producing, coaching, and ultimately intimacy coordination. The skills acquired across these roles inform their work as an intimacy coordinator, particularly their ability to empathize and understand the processes of actors and directors.

In addition to extensive experience in theatre and film, Jen has received in-depth training and hands-on experience in areas such as anti-oppression, conflict resolution, mental health support, constructive communication, and inclusive practices. They also hold an undergraduate degree in sociology and sexuality studies and dedicate time to leading workshops on intimacy, consent, and gender equality. Jen is a certified intimacy coordinator and a recognized professional in the field.


Sandrine Brodeur-Desrosiers

Réa

Trained as a filmmaker at Concordia University, Sandrine also holds a master’s degree in acting from the University of the Arts London, along with professional training in feature film screenwriting at L’INIS. Their London training included a specialization in movement using the Yats-Malmgren technique.

With experience both in front of and behind the camera, Sandrine continued their training as an intimacy coordinator with Intimacy Coordinators Canada before joining CIQ, gaining hands-on experience on sets. They are passionate about supporting a director’s vision while ensuring the safety and well-being of performers. Sandrine enjoys collaborating and actively contributing to a team and has worked with performers of all backgrounds, including professionals, non-professionals, children, adolescents, and seniors.

Sandrine is also involved in the community as a consultant and instructor at Concordia University and has collaborated with various organizations, including Wapikoni Mobile. They are frequently invited to participate in educational panels on intimacy coordination.


Our fiction cycle continues all winter! See the full schedule here.



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