After his documentary The end of lands released in 2019, filmmaker Loïc Darses once again explores Quebec, its people and the national question in Coffin, tabarnak!, squeaky comedy that takes place on May 20, 1980, the day of the first referendum on Quebec sovereignty.
In this short film presented at Longue vue sur le court, actor Emmanuel Bilodeau plays Raymond Tremblay, tax investigator and proud Saguenéen who, following the death of his father, suspects the family running the funeral home of fraudulent practices.
The fact that Emmanuel Bilodeau is at the heart of this story reminds us that he played René Lévesque in a miniseries written by Geneviève Lefebvre and released in 2006.
“I spoke to Loïc Darses about it and he swore to me that he offered me the role for all of my work and not because I had already played René Lévesque,” said the actor, laughing. There is undoubtedly a humorous-historical wink in this. ”
Verification made with the director, the latter did offer the role to Bilodeau for his talent and the physique of the job matching the character of Raymond Tremblay. “But it is certain that the fact that Emmanuel has already played René Lévesque plays in the subconscious,” he said. Basically, my film is first and foremost a tribute to my grandfather, who was a fervent sovereignist. It also talks about the legacy, what we leave to our children, and especially when we have little. ”
In the story, Raymond accomplishes his approach, his research with ardor and determination. He put all his heart into it and went to the end of his process, regardless of the result, like the sovereignist activists of the time.
Raymond’s little story therefore echoes this important moment in Quebec’s history. “I like the idea that major collective events influence the fabric of each of our lives, and vice versa,” says Loïc Darses. This link between big and small history fascinates me. ”
For his part, Emmanuel Bilodeau salutes the strength of writing. “The story is of great beauty and it is also true in the dialogues,” he says. Loïc is very meticulous and up to speed. In addition, he involved me in the choice of the young actress who plays my daughter Lucie in the film. And the latter is perfect! ”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE FESTIVAL LONGUE VUE SUR THE COURT
Lilou Roy-Lanouette in The big slaps by Annie St-Pierre
This young girl is the actress Lilou Roy-Lanouette. During Longue vue sur le court, we will also be able to see it in the short film The big slaps by Annie St-Pierre, a film that has garnered plenty of awards and accolades since its world premiere at Sundance in January 2021.
A high quality selection
Several titles in the program of this festival, which takes place in the southwest of Montreal, already have a few stars in their book. The Quebec selection includes among others The danger in front by Alexis Chartrand, Louise from 9 to 5 by Julien G. Marcotte, [email protected] by Roger Gariépy and Joutel by Alexa-Jeanne Dubé.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE PRODUCTION
Caroline Dhavernas in the short film Monsters by Frank Tremblay
The film Monsters by Frank Tremblay stars Caroline Dhavernas, who is the spokesperson for the event this year.
In the international component, we will follow in particular Free Fall by Emmanuel Tanenbaum, who was a hit at the REGARD festival last June. The festival also includes documentaries and youth programming.
The indoor section takes place from November 24 to 28 at the Paradoxe Theater, the Marie-Uguay House of Culture and the Verdun municipal greenhouses. An online component takes place from November 28 to December 12.
Visit the festival website