French Period Thriller 'Swapped' Explores Hidden History of Wet Nurses
The six-part series 'Swapped' originated from writer Vincent Robert's family history, as his great-grandmother had been a wet nurse. Co-written with Alexandra Echkenazi, the period thriller sheds light on an obscure chapter of French history. It is being promoted at the Unifrance Rendez-vous before heading to the La Rochelle Fiction Festival.
The narrative's foundation lies in the personal genealogy of writer Vincent Robert, specifically tracing back to his great-grandmother's role as a wet nurse in the Morvan region. This familial connection sparked a deep investigation into a largely overlooked historical practice.
Co-written with Alexandra Echkenazi, the six-part drama, also titled "Sorority," is currently being showcased by France TV Distribution at the Unifrance Rendez-vous. Following this promotional push, the series is slated to appear at the La Rochelle Fiction Festival.
By bringing the hidden history of wet nursing into the mainstream spotlight, this series could foster greater public awareness of a marginalized labor force and its socio-economic implications. Viewers may gain a deeper appreciation for the often-invisible contributions of working-class women in historical France. Furthermore, the personal origin story might inspire other creators to explore their own family archives, potentially enriching the cultural landscape with more nuanced, historically grounded narratives.