“We took the gamble of making a series with the fantastic stories of ordinary people.” From this simple but powerful premise, the idea of Crossingsa show designed by Catherine Bureau, Maude Éthier-Boutet and Sophie Fouron and hosted by the latter, which highlights those who live alongside us.
“We really wanted to focus on the essentials and not glorify celebrity,” explains Sophie Fouron. Far from the omnipresent star system in Quebec, amplified for some time by social networks, Crossings focuses instead on people, neighbours or colleagues perhaps, who also have equally interesting lives. “I especially want to promote normality,” she adds with affection. This project thus reflects one of her deepest convictions. “There is nothing more obvious than talking to someone, it is accessible to everyone and it reminds us that we are all equally valuable.”
Behind Crossingsa simple concept: Sophie Fouron sits on a park bench and chats with passers-by, letting fate guide the encounters. But in 2024, producing content for television while leaving it completely to chance is not an easy thing. A compromise was therefore found by combining spontaneity and preparation at least. “We thought that, to last a whole season, it would be good to have people who were carefully chosen by the team,” explains Sophie Fouron. This method created an interesting blur between what is prepared and what is fortuitous, without however harming the fundamental principle of the show, which is to have no expectations regarding the conversations. “Even if the researchers found gems, I didn’t know anything about them and I didn’t talk to them beforehand. It was really like a blind date “, remembers the host.
Overall, despite some refusals, the filming went well and was warmly received by the participants. Sophie Fouron was also pleasantly surprised to discover how open people were to discussing their stories with her and in front of the camera. “It was amazing and fascinating to see that people were so eager to talk,” she says. Crossings thus offers a mirror of the daily lives of Quebecers, capturing moments of sincerity and vulnerability. “It’s like when you walk around at night and you look into houses and you wonder how people live,” she emphasizes.
The show, through its subtle editing and enveloping music, actually immerses the viewer in the intimacy of Mr. and Mrs. Average. “We feel like we’re entering their souls and consciences,” says Sophie Fouron.
Stop the prejudices
Which also makes Crossings unique, is its approach focused on humanity, far from the stereotypes and superficiality often conveyed in traditional media. “What was also important to us is that we stop judging people at first glance: this show is a kind of human library,” says Sophie Fouron. This approach reveals what we all have in common despite our differences and divisions. “There is something that feels good, because we are all connected,” she notes. In these times of social polarization, Crossings presents itself as a breath of fresh air, a “slightly anti-cynicism” show, which reminds us of the value of each individual.
One of the show’s most striking moments for Sophie Fouron was undoubtedly her meeting with Wolf, a young man who particularly touched her with his exceptional trajectory. “He’s a boy I think about almost every week with his immigration journey that beats all the statistics.” For the host, the small and big stories, often marked by challenges and obstacles, are a source of inspiration. “I think about the lives of those who don’t have it easy and I tell myself that we have no idea what a migratory journey can be like,” she says.
Sophie Fouron is also convinced of the importance of direct human contact since our societies are dominated by communication via screens. “Post-pandemic, we are still in our bubble… People talk to each other via text messages and on social media, but I have seen the power of face-to-face conversation, the importance and power of this physical human contact,” she notes. By capturing these moments of truth, the show encourages a more inclusive and open way of living together.
For Sophie Fouron, Crossings is finally more than a classic television show. It is, according to her, an attempt to deconstruct clichés and promote mutual understanding. “All the little injustices in life that are associated with prejudices, preconceptions, biases, we must try to undo them on our scale,” she says. With humility, the host acknowledges that the show may not change the world, but she firmly believes that every action counts. “If it can make people think, it’s a good start.”