The 29th French-language film festival Cinemania opens on Wednesday in several cinemas in Montreal. Around a hundred films will be presented until November 12th, including several premieres. Audrey Latendresse, responsible for programming, tells us some of her favorites and must-sees.
The Goldman Trial, by Cédric Kahn (opening film of the festival)
First must-see on Audrey Latendresse’s list: the opening film “The Goldman Trial” by French director Cédric Kahn (“The Prayer”, “Family Party”). “It is a closed session that traces the second trial of Pierre Goldman in the 1970s,” explains Audrey Latendresse.
The French journalist and far-left activist was sentenced to life in prison for four robberies, including one in which two pharmacists died. The man who protested his innocence in this final affair by writing a book in prison was murdered in 1979.
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On this occasion, we welcome director Cédric Kahn, who will also present another film entitled “Making Of”, which was screened at the Venice Film Festival last September, adds the program director.
When? November 1st at 6:30 p.m. at the Imperial Cinema and November 2nd at 3:00 p.m. at the Cinéma du Musée.
The successor, by Xavier Legrand
The sequel, a thriller co-produced by France, Quebec and Belgium, features three well-known faces from small and large Quebec cinemas: Yves Jacques, Anne-Élisabeth Bossé and Marc-André Grondin.
The latter plays the role of Ellias, a fashion designer from Quebec who becomes artistic director of a famous French haute couture house. When his father dies of a heart attack, Ellias must return to Quebec to sort out the estate, which brings a few surprises for him.
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Marc-Angré Grondin stars in the film “The Successor”, in which he plays the fashion designer Ellias.
Photo: Cinemania
Xavier Legrand won the Silver Lion for best director at the Venice Film Festival in 2017 with his first feature film “Until the Guard,” recalls Audrey Latendresse.
When? November 7th at 6 p.m. at Kino Impérial and November 8th at 6 p.m. at Cinéma Moderne.
The poet’s fiancée, by Yolande Moreau
“It’s a return behind the camera after a ten-year absence for Yolande Moreau, who we know more as an actress,” explains Audrey Latendresse about the Belgian director of the film “The Poet’s Fiancé”.
It is the story of this lady who loves art, but also has a slightly darker side […] She will inherit her family’s mansion, where she will welcome many eccentric people with whom she will create a small community of slightly misunderstood artists.
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It’s super funny, super endearing and talks about how lies, which are usually associated with something negative, can sometimes bring about good.
When? November 10th at 5:30 p.m. at the Cinéma du Musée and November 11th at 3:00 p.m. at the Impérial cinema.
The ocean seen from the heart, by Iolande Cadrin-Rossignol and Marie-Dominique Michaud
Another favorite in the program: the documentary The Ocean Seen from the Heart, based on the book of the same name by Hubert Reeves, who died on October 13th at the age of 91. The famous astrophysicist also appears in the documentary, which was his last appearance on screen.
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With the help of specialists, environmental activists, explorers and fishermen, the filmmakers show us the strength of the adaptation of the marine environment, but also what threatens it in the context of climate catastrophe. The film is in competition for the Planète+ Prize for best documentary at the festival.
When? November 2nd and 5th at 6 p.m. at the Cinéma du Musée. The screening on November 5th will be preceded by a small film concert with the participation of musicians from the Orchester Métropolitain.
Second round, by Albert Dupontel (final film)
It is a political comedy-drama that follows the journey of a candidate in the French presidential election, followed by a somewhat unconventional journalist, played by Cécile de France, and her cameraman, played by Nicolas Marier, the Audrey Latendresse from Second to this one Topic summarizes tour by Albert Dupontel, who also signed Adieu les idiots.
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It’s a comedy. It’s fun to end the festival on a more cheerful note, even if Albert Dupontel still shows a certain cynicism, a bit like in Adieu les idiots.
When? November 12th at 5 p.m. in the Imperial Cinema.
The complete Cinemania program can be found on the festival website (new window), where you can also purchase tickets for the various performances.