The ExCentris complex opened its doors to the public on Sunday so that it could pay tribute to its founder, entrepreneur Daniel Langlois, and his wife Dominique Marchand, who died tragically last month in the Caribbean.
Family, close friends, admirers: many of them came at the beginning of the afternoon to mark the memory of the couple.
The ceremony took place in the former premises of the ExCentris cinema, founded by Daniel Langlois in 1999. Dressed in black, visitors stood in front of the portraits of the couple, overlooking the room. On the walls, farewell letters written by loved ones.
Met on site, director Luc Bourdon says he has worked with the entrepreneur since the creation of the institution, located on Boulevard Saint-Laurent.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
The tribute ceremony took place in the former premises of the ExCentris cinema, founded by Daniel Langlois in 1999.
“He had a lively intelligence and incredible wit. He was an exceptional person,” recalls the man who was general director of the Festival du nouveau cinéma de Montréal from 2000 to 2003.
“He was someone who…” he begins before pausing, interrupted by emotion. “He was someone who forced us to give our best,” he continues.
Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand were found dead on 1er December in a burned-out vehicle on the island of Dominica, where they had been operating an eco-friendly resort for several years.
Four suspects were arrested in connection with the murder, including their neighbor, American businessman Jonathan Leher. According to the police theory, the couple was shot dead following a neighborhood conflict.
“This ending does not correspond at all to the image we have of them. They were discreet, simple people. They were listening. It’s a stain on the board that will have to be erased,” laments Luc Bourdon.
An “unmissable” contribution
Daniel Langlois became known after founding the animation company Softimage in 1986.
In 1994, he sold the company to Microsoft for approximately $200 million, and with part of the proceeds, created the Daniel Langlois Foundation, a private, non-profit, philanthropic organization dedicated to the advancement of knowledge in art and in science.
Visiting the ceremony, Mayor Valérie Plante highlighted the entrepreneur’s major contribution to the Montreal cultural scene.
“When I arrived in Montreal in the early 90s, it was my spot, the ExCentris. I always came to the cinema. It was a vibrant place,” she testified in front of the cameras.
Proof of its significance: there were many at the ceremony who did not know the deceased, but who wanted to pay tribute to him.
“His contribution is essential in the history of digital art in Quebec,” shares Barbara Ulrich, who herself worked in the cinema sector.
A long-time admirer, Karima Bensouda has followed the career of Daniel Langlois since he founded Softimage. “I was interested in what he was doing. It was impressive,” she says.
The ceremony continues until 5 p.m. A register was made available to visitors with the aim of later being offered to families.