Digital Creator Wil Aime Shifts from Viral Content to Theatrical Feature Film

For years, Wil Aime stood as a titan of the Francophone digital landscape, commanding an audience of over one million followers on Instagram. However, in 2019, the creator stepped back from his regular posting schedule to pursue a more ambitious endeavor: filmmaking. Today, Aime’s self-funded feature-length thriller, Who, marks a significant transition in his career, moving from short-form digital content to the professional theatrical stage.

A New Vision for Independent Cinema

Described as a high-tension psychological thriller, Who explores the moral complexities of characters navigating extreme, often fatal, circumstances. Aime, who wrote, directed, and starred in the project, drew inspiration for the film’s atmosphere from Hajime Isayama’s manga series Attack on Titan. Seeking to craft a story centered on the nature of “monsters” in a post-apocalyptic context, Aime traveled to French Guiana to conduct research, where he engaged with local stories that informed the film’s narrative development.

The production process was a massive undertaking, with filming locations spanning Paris, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, and Jamaica. Aime opted to self-fund the entire project after failing to secure traditional government-backed production grants, a decision he notes provided him with total creative and political autonomy.

An Innovative Distribution Model

The theatrical rollout of Who represents a notable shift in how independent creators interact with the French film industry. Following a deal with Pathé, the film is scheduled for release in cinemas across France, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, and Réunion starting May 28, 2026. This release is facilitated by an “exceptional visa” from France’s National Cinema Centre (CNC), which allows for a shortened theatrical window under specific screening limitations.

This strategy aligns with a growing trend in France where creators move content from digital platforms to traditional cinemas before reaching streaming services. Who is set to arrive on Disney+ in France shortly after its theatrical debut, a move that Kevin Deysson, Vice President of Original Productions at Disney+ in France, characterizes as an effort to support evolving distribution models for creators.

Key Takeaways

• Creator-Led Production: Wil Aime’s transition from social media influencer to filmmaker highlights the increasing ability of digital creators to produce professional-grade, self-funded cinema.
• Distribution Trends: The film utilizes an “exceptional visa” in France, allowing for a condensed theatrical window that bridges the gap between traditional cinema and streaming platforms like Disney+.
• Global Ambitions: While the film has a strong footprint in French-speaking territories, including an upcoming release in Francophone Africa on June 10, 2026, the creator emphasizes a desire to reach a global audience, particularly those of African descent.

Looking Ahead

As the film hits theaters and prepares for its digital release on Disney+ on May 30, 2026, the industry is watching closely. Aime’s project serves as a test case for whether self-funded, creator-driven films can disrupt the traditional, highly regulated French cinema ecosystem. By bypassing conventional funding gates, Aime hopes to demonstrate to a new generation of filmmakers that independent, high-stakes storytelling is a viable path for those willing to navigate the complexities of the modern production landscape.