Writer and screenwriter India Desjardins had long dreamed of writing a Quebec Christmas film that would appeal to the general public. She can say mission accomplished: her romantic comedy 23rd of December just surpassed the million dollar mark at the box office after just two weeks in theaters.
With $1,050,650 at the box office, December 23 became the second Quebec film to top 1 this year, following thriller Confessions, which grossed $1.3 million in provincial theaters last summer million dollars at the box office.
Written by India Desjardins and directed by Miryam Bouchard, the comedy even managed the feat of becoming the number one most popular film in Québec cinemas last week, especially ahead of Hollywood blockbuster Black Panther: Long Live Wakanda.
Photo courtesy of Immina Films
Virginie Fortin in a scene from the movie December 23, still in theaters.
“It’s sick! laughs India Desjardins, who will be accompanied by Le Journal on Monday. I keep jokingly saying that I imagine the bosses of Hollywood studios around the world analyzing their numbers and asking themselves: what kind of film is this , December 23? I’m not upset about it, but I enjoy being able to achieve that with a Quebec film. It proves that Quebec audiences love their cinema.”
party mood
When the results at the box office make them happy, it is above all the audience’s reaction that fills them with joy.
“I get so many great comments from the public,” she says. There are people who write to me, quote lines or tell anecdotes because they recognize themselves in a character or in a scene from the film. There are also people who tell us that they want to see the film a second time. I can not believe it ! »
The writer and screenwriter also says she heard several testimonials from viewers who stayed in the room during the end credits to listen to the song “23. December” to sing and clap your hands.
“It’s like there was a little party atmosphere during the performances,” she says. It makes me happy because that’s what I wanted to achieve with this film. »
Photo archive, Chantal Poirier
Author India Desjardins.
India Desjardins, a big fan of Christmas movies, came up with the idea for December 23rd about ten years ago after experiencing a tumultuous Christmas season. Starring Virginie Fortin, François Arnaud, Catherine Brunet, Guylaine Tremblay and Stéphane Rousseau, the film tells the adventures of several characters whose fates intersect on the eve of Christmas Eve.
“It took a really long time to write the script,” she breathes. I almost gave up on the project three times. The fact that the audience reacts with presence and sends me so many nice messages shows me that I did well to persevere. I’m really moved by this. »
23rd of December is still in the room.