In Saint Boniface, Winnipeg’s French cultural hub, crowds gathered, popcorn in hand, for Menteuse, the opening film of Cinémental 2025.
The event takes place over two weekends, with more on the way, including Les Barbares on October 17, and a complete catalogue of movies and programs throughout the upcoming weekend.
As the doors opened on October 10 for the first time, Mélanie Bédard, the Festival’s Coordinator, said she could feel the atmosphere change as the event was about to begin.
“You’re thinking, okay, people are actually taking the time to come out and see what we’re doing, what we’re putting together, and they’re coming to enjoy French cinema, which is amazing.”
Now in its 34th Edition, the festival has outlived two theatres and adjusted to shifting venues and audiences. Vice-President Marc-François Tremblay recalled these past three decades.
“At the time, it was quite different because we had big reels, 35mm. It was completely another world. And we did, we made a deal with the Cinematheque. So we started at the Cinematheque of Winnipeg, and we worked with the Winnipeg Film Group and Dave Barber at the time. And we were able for at least ten years to be there at the Cinematheque.”
With growing interest in French-language films, Cinémental needed a new venue and found a new home at Portage Place.
“They had a big theatre, so it was possible to have 300 to 400 people, and sometimes it was sold out. So it was quite amazing. Those were the years when people were so hungry and willing to see movies that they were ready to go see a movie in French with English subtitles.”
Then, Portage Place theatre closed. Cinémental once again had to find a new location, moving to Towne 8 Cinema, which eventually closed too. But luck was on their side. With the change from film to digital format, and a fortuitous access to a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) machine
Tremblay said Cinémental was able to start its new home at the Centre culturel franco-manitobain (CCFM).
The longevity and fortitude of Cinémental are prime examples of the love and excitement for French culture in Winnipeg. The festival is a cultural statement, explained Bédard, who reflected on the historical significance of celebrating the French language in Manitoba.
“Not a lot of people know that French was actually abolished by our government in our school systems. Some of our grandparents had to hide their books, had to switch boards on the walls when inspectors came, to make sure that they were singing God Save the King,” said Bédard. “This is the preservation of something that was literally being taken away from us. And so, to be able to speak the language, do things culturally, and celebrate that is truly important for us.”
The opening weekend also featured special guests, including Menteuse actor Monika Pilon. This was Pilon’s first time in Winnipeg, and she said she was excited to learn more about the city and enjoy the film with audiences, especially one of her favourite moments from filming.
“Here’s a moment I love, but I was scared to do it. The director told me, ‘You have to dance,'” she explained. “It was scary, and I needed to loosen it up and just go for it. And I think it’s my favourite scene of the film, and I’m really proud of it.”
Pilon noted that the first time she watched the film, she was terrified at the premiere, not knowing what to expect.
“So I was sitting there in my beautiful dress, and everyone seemed to really like it. There were so many people around. I thought, Okay, what are we going to see? I don’t know. I’m nervous. But the second time I saw the movie, I saw the big picture, but the first time I was like, oh my God. Oh, look at my face. Oh no, oh no, oh no. And it’s analyzing and stressful, but the second time it was better, and I said, okay, it’s great.”
Having actors at Cinémental adds to the experience, said Bédard, creating a greater connection between the film and its audience.
“It’s so cool. You can look up at the screen and then look beside you, and the person is actually sitting there. It’s such a draw for our public that they get to interact with the people who made the movie, and that makes the experience even more special.”
As Cinémental looks toward its 50th anniversary, organizers are optimistic about the festival’s future and the continued growth of francophone culture in Manitoba.
– Ryan Funk, U Multicultural
