A shower of tributes followed the death of Michel Nadeau, because his contribution to economic Quebec was considerable and the effects of his undeniable financial and diplomatic know-how will be felt for the long term. He is part of what we call “the builders of Quebec”. However, I believe that his interest in culture in general has been overlooked. Michel, who was animated by a great humanism and an immense universal culture (cinema, literature, philosophy, music…), was one of those who are ready to give of their time so that cultural institutions can live and develop. He was, better than anyone, very aware of the necessary linkage between the world of business and that of culture.
Michel Nadeau gave a lot of his time to the World Film Festival. Listening and knowing how to provide sound advice, he placed himself on both sides of the event: he liked to be a spectator and be part of the organization. Outside of the Festival, I sometimes saw him lining up to attend a movie premiere at the Imperial. Everything interested him and, for him, there was no hierarchy in the cultural field, no “big culture” or “small culture”, everything was worthy of interest. Despite attacks from a local journalistic coterie, Michel was the first journalist in Montreal (The duty) to publicly endorse our vision for a great competitive festival in North America. We did it without adequate funding and without a strong local industry. Time has proven that it was right, because the planet of world cinema has been present at the FFM for several decades and the FFM has been described as “the cultural standard bearer of Quebec” on the international scene (Influences Communications).
In the name of the Festival, I saved the Imperial, an old commercial building that was in danger of demolition. I had told my friends at Paramount that such a heritage building could not be allowed to be destroyed. Then, as the building was classified as a historical monument, it became eligible for public grants for renovations. On the private side, I spoke to my loyal troika: Bernard Lamarre, André Chagnon and Michel Nadeau. They thus formed a work monitoring committee with François Beaudry-Losique. Once the work was completed, the Imperial was dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of Montreal” by some media. It is one of the most beautiful cultural heritages that the FFM bequeaths to the Quebec public. Michel supported other Quebec cultural institutions, including the first Musée de la femme du Québec.
The year 2021 mowed down three Quebec giants who were my loyal friends and allies: Rock Demers, great producer and tireless defender of the FMM; Pierre Goyette, Chairman of the Festival’s Board of Directors for many years, former Quebec Deputy Minister of Finance and “a man of very high quality” (dixit Robert Bourassa who recommended him to me), and Michel Nadeau, my intellectual alter ego and advisor in all. It is really a lot to bear.
Michel, my friend, I have already wished the other two bon voyage, it is now your turn, and I must say bon voyage to you in the cosmos.