Réal Junior Leblanc fulfilled a dream by becoming Denys Arcand’s assistant director on the film Will. Proof that his talent is rightly appreciated is Denise Robert, who will produce the Innu director’s first feature-length documentary from Uashat mak Mani-Utenam.
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Réal Junior Leblanc and his family couldn’t believe they were on the red carpet for Denys Arcand’s latest film at the Maisonneuve Theater in Montreal on Monday night.
The aspiring filmmaker still can’t believe he got to spend two and a half months alongside Denys Arcand.
“It was one of my dreams to be part of a big set, there were 86 people!” It was also like a dream to see Rémy Girard, Sophie Lorain and Guylaine Tremblay at work; I was fascinated by her work. I can’t believe I received advice from this important director,” explains the artist, who was first approached by the producer and partner of Denys Arcand, Denise Robert, who had seen his work and really liked him.
Courtesy of Réal Junior Leblanc
Valuable advice
His role on the set of “Testament” was primarily that of an observer. By following the director everywhere without ever disturbing him, he witnessed the concrete work of the 82-year-old creator.
“It is normal for an indigenous man to observe rather than ask. We developed a great bond. I feel really privileged,” says the man who makes a flash appearance in “Testament,” phone in hand.
Denys Arcand gave him some advice, telling him in particular: “Pay close attention to what I’m going to do and pay special attention to the actors who have to be good to play well.” They have to play for pleasure. » He also invited him to watch films, good or bad, because “that’s how you learn.”
The young director watched the actors at work a lot and took the opportunity to exchange ideas with the various craftsmen such as technicians, costume designers, lighting designers and camera assistants.
Of Denys Arcand he says that he maintained patience, the absence of pressure during filming and the authenticity of human contacts. The calm, the smiles and the peace that also reign on the set.
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First feature film by Denise Robert
Réal Junior Leblanc will soon collaborate with director Denis Boivin on a twelve-episode documentary series that tells the search for identity of a young indigenous woman living in the city. This project will be his final exercise before embarking on his first feature film, to be produced by Denise Robert. This is scheduled to appear in spring 2025.
“We talk often, Denise has become a friend. She told me: I will help you, I will be there. You and Denys Arcand met my family. “We are really on the way to a great adventure,” says the artist, who has around ten short documentaries to his credit, including “Manituhiss,” which won awards and was screened at various festivals, including Saguenay, Montreal and Clermont-Ferrand in France.
His feature film will be a tribute to residential school victims, including his parents and grandparents.
“I want to understand why my people experienced all this violence, I want to meet children and survivors, visit these residential schools and see the mass graves. “I don’t want to settle the issue,” he explains.
He will leave Vancouver to visit various nations along the way, eventually joining his community during the Innu Nikamu music festival in August. “To end the film in the light. »
“I came to the light after a dark time. I want to move on and knowing Denise Robert is there calms me down. “I’m really grateful for everything that happens to me,” he admits.