In Un capitalisme sentimental, filmmaker Olivier Asselin offers an alternative explanation for Black Tuesday, the fateful day when world financial markets collapsed in 1929.

‘It’s the fault of an artist with no talent whose name is overvalued on the stock market,’ says Asselin (La Liberté d’une statue).

The story, which takes place in 1920s Paris and New York, revolves around the life of a struggling artist, Fernande Bouvier (Lucille Fluet), and the financiers who exploit her. To earn a fast buck, they take her to America and transform her into a successful brand, despite her lack of talent.

The $1.2-million film started shooting last month in Montreal and should be ready for the fall festival season, says Asselin, who also cowrote and produces. It also stars Paul Ahmarani (Congorama) and Sylvie Moreau (Camping sauvage). The cast and crew deferred 20% of their salaries, about $250,000, so the project could be completed.