The Festival team is in high spirits as it prepares to present a brilliant 43rd edition! Rendez-vous on October 24 and 25 at Espace court, followed by the Festival du cinéma international en Abitibi-Témiscamingue from October 26 to 31. Many surprises will make these festivities unforgettable, but let’s start with a few major announcements!  

The Festival is proud to present the world premiere of the feature film Le Cyclone de Noël, directed by Alain Chicoine. This family film, starring such renowned actors as Véronique Cloutier, Christine Beaulieu, Danielle Proulx, Patrick Hivon and Luc Senay, will take moviegoers on a journey into the world of the hugely popular L’Œil du cyclone series. The script invites us to follow the Gagnon-Despatie family as they go through a multitude of emotions, perfectly capturing the essence of a true holiday season within a modern, blended family, where magic rubs shoulders with everyday challenges. Produced by KO24 and distributed by Les Films Opale. 

Synopsis  

Isabelle Gagnon (Christine Beaulieu) is a firm believer in the magic of Christmas: recipes, gift exchanges, naughty elves and traditional family photos… Preparations begin the day after Halloween! But this year, everything seems to be working against her. Everyone has other plans, and in these times of blended families, Isabelle will have to pedal hard to keep her gang around her for Christmas. 

On October 31, the Festival will close with the world premiere of Renée Beaulieu’s feature Habiter la maison. Featuring powerful performances by François Papineau, Antoine Desrochers, Rose-Marie Perreault and France Castel, this choral drama plunges into the heart of a family’s pivotal moments. Departures, separations, returns, deaths and births weave together in a touching story that promises to resonate deeply with audiences. Produced by Vital Productions, Habiter la maison offers a poignant and authentic look at family dynamics. 

Synopsis 

Simon (François Papineau), entrepreneur and family man, has planned everything to take care of his family, including the construction of a magnificent house, but he didn’t foresee that his family would become like life itself: elusive and unpredictable. 

Gérard Dubois 
Photographes : Julia Marois 

This year’s poster is an original creation by renowned illustrator and graphic artist Gérard DuBois, in his second collaboration. Lolo-Lola, from the 42nd Festival, won an award at the Communication Arts Awards in the United States. His work has been brilliantly adapted by the regional company Feu Follet. 

“After having had the pleasure of working on the poster for the 42nd Festival du cinéma international en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, when the opportunity arose to collaborate with the Festival again for the 43rd, of course, I was delighted to accept,” says Mr. DuBois.   

From the outset, it was clear to the artist that the visual had to maintain aesthetic continuity with the previous poster. The aim was to create an image that viewers could identify as a sequel, thus establishing a link with them. This time, the inspiration came from Singin‘ in the Rain, with a nod to the movement and general expression of the film, as well as the famous boater made famous by Buster Keaton, Fred Astaire in Swing Romance, Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face, and Maurice Chevalier… An unexpected touch has also been added to the visuals, bringing a new dimension to the poster. 

For Espace court’s 22nd anniversary, the event once again entrusted Stéphanie Cloutier with the creation of its poster, marking the thirteenth collaboration. For this edition, Stéphanie sought to take the wacky aspect even further. The interplay of light and shadow remains at the heart of her artistic approach. Her inspiration came from a run around Lake Osisko. As she ran through the woods, the poster took shape, featuring an imaginary animal. Stéphanie loves creating intriguing universes, in perfect harmony with the surprising and captivating spirit of the two evenings that make up this 22nd edition of Espace court.  

13e  édition – Odile Tremblay  
Photographes : Maurice et Annie Boudreau 

The Festival team pays tribute to Odile Tremblay, a renowned journalist and loyal Festival ally, who recently retired from Le Devoir newspaper. 

A true icon of Quebec journalism, Odile Tremblay devoted her career to writing and critiquing, making a profound mark on Quebec culture. Her ability to analyze cultural works by placing them in a broader, global context has made her an indispensable and respected voice in the film world. 

As she embarks on a new phase of her career, her commitment and passion for the arts continue to serve as a source of inspiration. Her career, marked by many notable achievements, is richly deserving of celebration. His exceptional contribution to culture and journalism leaves a precious legacy that will continue to influence and enrich minds. The tribute will be held at the opening dinner on Saturday, October 26. 

Opening night passports and tickets go on sale Friday, September 13! Stay tuned to our social networks for more exciting unveilings, which promise to captivate film fans everywhere! 

Milan Roy-Gaudet, Press Relations 

presse@festivalcinema.ca 

Office: 819 762-6212 

Louis Dallaire, Co-Founder 

 Festival du cinéma international en Abitibi-Témiscamingue