The first filmmaker in Quebec to obtain a stamp from Canada Post in his likeness, Denys Arcand was treated to a series of tributes from Quebec artists who have crossed his path in recent decades, as part of an event held Tuesday night at Théâtre Outremont.
“I am very proud of all of us,” reacted in an interview with the Duty the filmmaker, smiling, while appetizers were served to the many guests present, including screenwriter Luc Dionne, actor Rémy Girard and writer Nadine Bismuth. “It’s an appreciation not just of my work, but of all Quebec cinema. »
Canada Post thus unveiled Tuesday evening with great fanfare the stamp which will enter circulation on Wednesday on which we can see, in black and white, Denys Arcand in full filming. He thus joins the ranks of several artists, politicians and Aboriginal leaders who have been entitled to such a tribute in recent years.
“My first reaction, when I found out that Canada Post wanted to make a stamp on me, was complete astonishment. I didn’t know anyone at Canada Post knew me! launched the filmmaker during a brief speech to the guests.
Luc Dionne, for his part, did not miss an opportunity to make the famous filmmaker smile, describing him as “crazy” in a colorful speech greeted by frank laughter. “For a filmmaker who hates TV, I don’t understand why you agreed to be reproduced in series”, he launched, in reference to the production of stamps bearing the image of the filmmaker.
A political connotation?
Over the past 60 years, Denys Arcand has directed more than twenty films, television shows and documentaries. Several of the feature films he directed have marked the history of Quebec cinematography, such as The Decline of the American Empireas well as its sequel, barbarian invasions, which in 2004 won the Oscar for best foreign language film, marking a precedent in the history of Canadian film.
During his career, the filmmaker also mobilized “for the Yes” during the referendums for the independence of Quebec, in 1980 and 1995, he recalled in an interview with the Duty. However, he does not believe that his decision to accept the invitation from Canada Post, a federal agency, has a political connotation. “For me, my barometer is when Gilles Vigneault accepted a federal decoration,” he laughed, referring to the famous poet and singer-songwriter proudly independentist. He has notably received several awards from the Governor General, notably in literature and for the performing arts.
“I said to myself: if Gilles Vigneault accepts, you must not be more Catholic than the Pope,” dropped Mr. Arcand, who thus decided to welcome this praise with open arms. “I am a happy man tonight,” he said during his speech, before being warmly applauded by the small crowd gathered for the occasion.
Denys Arcand will also see another of his feature films, Will, hitting theaters this fall. And despite his great experience, the filmmaker admits that stage fright remains as to the reception that Quebecers will reserve for his work. “I’m completely on the lookout right now, because no one has seen it, except those who made the film. »