From rap to the big screen. This artist, who rose to prominence with Feu and then Cyborg, expanded his musical career through visual storytelling. His appearance in Tout nous sépare marked a real turning point in his professional life.
This first major role gave him the chance to learn from established actors, including Catherine Deneuve, Nicolas Duvauchelle and Diane Kruger. Working on set broadened his creative world and his audience.
At the same time, he chose to film the making of Les étoiles vagabondes. The documentary followed a recording journey through New Orleans, Tokyo, Paris and Greece. The project strengthened the connection between his music and his perspective as a filmmaker.
In this article, we explore his first steps, the stages of production and what followed his first film. You will discover how this decision shaped his career and established a genuine success across several fields.
From rap studios to film sets: Nekfeu’s first steps in cinema
His move from the studio to the film set surprised his audience and marked a new stage in his artistic career.
Tout nous sépare, directed by Thierry Klifa, put him on screen alongside Catherine Deneuve, Nicolas Duvauchelle and Diane Kruger.
On screen: a first role opposite a star
He played a tough guy who was friends with Duvauchelle’s character. The part contrasted with his image as a rapper.
Alongside an experienced cast
Working with established actors placed him in a demanding environment. Their support helped him develop his technical and emotional skills.
Discovering a new world
“I didn’t feel like I belonged”
That sentence sums up the shock of unfamiliar methods: rehearsals, shot planning and multiple takes.
| Aspect | Studio | Film set |
|---|---|---|
| Rehearsal | Improvisation, live energy | Precise shot planning, rehearsing each shot |
| Presence | Connecting with the audience | Performing for the camera and fellow actors |
| Impact | Musical recognition | Opportunities for other artistic projects |
From stage to screen, this first role revealed his potential. For the audience, curiosity turned into anticipation.
Behind the scenes and key collaborators: Deneuve’s down-to-earth manner and a “family-like shoot”
On set, his initial apprehension faded in a considerate, supportive atmosphere. Before filming, he admitted: “
I didn’t feel like I belonged
”, a sign of how nervous he felt in front of the camera.
Camera nerves and support from the crew
Support from the crew and actors eased the tension. Catherine Deneuve had a reassuring, down-to-earth presence.
The atmosphere was described as a family-like shoot, which helped him learn to act in front of the camera.
Perpignan, an old villa: a memorable night scene
A pivotal scene was filmed near Perpignan, in a large villa with faded grandeur. On a stone staircase, tension rises when a character brandishes a rifle.
Filming at night heightened the realism. The crews’ pace, shaped by the time needed for lengthy takes, sharpened everyone’s focus.
These moments gave him the confidence to find his place in the world of cinema. They helped him give a more assured performance, beyond simply playing the role.
Finally, access to clips and online interviews often depended on advertising panels and acceptance of cookies, a reminder of the digital restrictions surrounding behind-the-scenes content.
Nekfeu and cinema: roles, co-stars and behind the scenes
The following summer, he developed his acting skills further while filming L’Échappée alongside Denis Lavant, Joséphine Japy, Rod Paradot and Karidja Touré.
The film extended his first experience on set. It confirmed the range of voices and artistic approaches within the team.
Music and image: Les étoiles vagabondes in cinemas
The documentary Les étoiles vagabondes was screened in cinemas on June 6, just before the album became available.
The album, recorded in New Orleans, Tokyo, Paris and Greece, was released in physical format on June 14 by Polydor. Its standout tracks, featuring Clara Luciani, Vanessa Paradis and Damso, broadened the project’s reach.
Release schedule and online promotion
The gap between the cinema screening and the physical release marked several key days in June.
Sharing clips and promotional material online often depended on acceptance of cookies and exposure to advertising panels. Even so, these channels helped the project reach a wider audience.
“The blend of images and songs creates a single creative world, where the music’s lyrics enrich the visuals.”
| Element | Dates | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Documentary screening | June 6 | Visibility in cinemas |
| Physical album release | June 14 | Availability in stores, sales |
| Recording | New Orleans, Tokyo, Paris, Greece | Varied sound |
Conclusion
Each day of filming confirmed that this artistic turn was more than a one-off experiment. The rapper built on that first experience with Tout nous sépare, then brought music and images together in a new film.
Working with Catherine Deneuve mattered. Her support, by day and by night, helped him settle into the role and marked an important moment in his development.
Over several months, the documentary’s cinema screening and the album release brought his projects together. Access to online clips depended on formats involving cookies and advertising.
In just a few years, this move into new fields shaped his career. His success remains modest, but it points to a lasting path for an artist moving between rap and cinema.