A Global Language Captivates Québec Cinema Gala Nominees

October 7, 2025

Québec Cinema Gala Nominations Dominated by ‘A Universal Language’

Montreal, QC – matthew Rankin’s critically acclaimed film, A Universal Language, is the frontrunner as nominations for the prestigious Gala Québec Cinéma were announced today. The film garnered an notable 17 nominations, setting the stage for a perhaps triumphant evening for the Winnipeg-born director.

‘A Universal Language’ Receives Top Honors

Rankin’s innovative work, previously recognized with several canadian Screen Awards, including for Best Direction, has captured the attention of Quebec’s film industry.A Universal Language presents a unique narrative, staging the director himself within a fantastical setting where Winnipeg, Montreal, and Tehran unexpectedly converge. The nominations include those for Best Film, Best Production, and Best Screenplay.

Close Competition from ‘Two Golden Women’ and ‘Amour Apocalypse’

Chloé Robichaud’s Two Golden Women closely trails with 15 nominations. Karine Gonthier-Hyndman and Laurence Leboeuf, the film’s leading actresses, are both contenders for the Iris Prize for Best Female Performance. They will compete against Anne-Élisabeth Bossé (liar), Leïla Bekhti (My Mother, God and Sylvie Vartan), and Marguerite Laurence (Miss Bottine). Robichaud is also nominated for Best Director, with Catherine Léger vying for Best Screenplay.

Anne Emond’s latest film, Amour Apocalypse, is also a major contender, earning 15 nominations. Emond is nominated for both Best Director and Best Script, while Patrick hivon, the film’s lead actor, is up for Male Interpreter of the Year. He faces competition from Antoine Bertrand (Miss Bottine), Félix-Antoine Duval (Shepherds), Gildor Roy (The Little and the Old), and Paul Ahmarani (Like Fire).

The Nominees for Best Film

The films vying for the coveted Best Film award include A Universal Language, Two Golden Women, Amour Apocalypse, Shepherds, Like Fire, The Little and the Old, and Miss Bottine. Sophie Deraspe’s Shepherds,which also enjoyed a successful festival run,secured 13 nominations,including recognition for Best Direction,Best Screenplay,Best Editing,and Best Visual Effects.

Rising Stars and Documentary Excellence

The comedic film Vile and Miserable also garnered attention with nine nominations, including Best First Film for Jean-François Leblanc and samuel Cantin. Alexis Martin and Chantal Fontaine are also recognized in supporting role categories. Emerging talents Marguerite Laurence (miss Bottine) and Juliette Bharucha (The Little and the Old) are nominated for Revelation of the Year, alongside Aksel Leblanc (Phénix), Aurélia Arandi-Longpré (Like Fire), and Pyrouz Have No (A Universal Language).

In the documentary realm, Félix Rose’s The Battle of Saint-Léonard received two nominations: Best Documentary Film and Best Editing for a Documentary Film. This film had previously earned accolades at the Gemini Awards.

Gala Details

A total of 31 IRIS awards will be presented this year. The 27th edition of the Gala Québec Cinéma is scheduled for December 7th and will be broadcast live on Noovo, hosted for the second consecutive year by comedian Phil Roy. Alexandre Aussant, known for portraying the Drag-Queen Mona de Grenoble, will host the artisans gala on December 4th.

Did you Know? The Iris Awards are Quebec’s highest film honors,celebrating excellence in cinematic achievement.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the performances of first-time nominees – they frequently enough bring fresh perspectives to the industry.

The Enduring Importance of Film Awards

Film awards, such as the IRIS awards, play a vital role in recognizing artistic merit, promoting the film industry, and boosting tourism. they also provide a platform for filmmakers to gain wider recognition and attract future opportunities. The Quebec film industry, in particular, has experienced notable growth in recent years, with an increase in both domestic and international productions. According to statista, the Canadian film and video production industry generated approximately 12.9 billion Canadian dollars in revenue in 2022.

Film Title	Nominations
A Universal Language	17
Two Golden Women	15
Amour apocalypse	15
Shepherds	13

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Gala Québec Cinéma? The Gala Québec Cinéma is an annual event celebrating the best of Quebec cinema, awarding the prestigious Iris Awards.
• Who is Matthew Rankin? Matthew Rankin is the director of A Universal Language, which leads the nominations this year.
• Where will the Gala Québec Cinéma be broadcast? The Gala will be broadcast live on Noovo on December 7th.
• What are the Iris Awards? The Iris Awards are Quebec’s highest film honors, recognizing achievements in various cinematic categories.
• What impact do film awards have on the industry? Film awards help promote the industry, recognize talent, and attract investment.

What are your predictions for the winners at the Gala Québec Cinéma? And how do you think these nominations will influence the future of Quebec film?

What funding organizations support Québec films incorporating English dialog?

The Rise of English in Québec Film

The Québec Cinema Gala, a cornerstone of the province’s vibrant film industry, has seen a notable shift in recent years. Increasingly, nominees and winning films are incorporating English – not as a replacement for French, but as a strategic element to broaden audience reach and international appeal. This trend reflects a broader evolution in Québec cinema, moving beyond purely domestic narratives to engage with global markets. The use of English dialogue, particularly in co-productions and films targeting international festivals, is becoming more commonplace. This isn’t simply about language; it’s about globalization in film, international co-productions, and the Québec film industry’s growth.

why English? Exploring the Motivations

Several factors are driving this linguistic evolution.

* Funding Opportunities: Many international funding bodies and co-production treaties require or favor projects with English-language components. Accessing these funds is crucial for larger-scale productions.

* Market Expansion: While fiercely proud of its French identity, Québec cinema recognizes the potential of reaching English-speaking audiences. English dialogue can significantly increase a film’s distribution possibilities, particularly in North america and the UK. Film distribution strategies are evolving.

* Creative Choices: Some filmmakers intentionally use English to reflect the multicultural reality of modern Québec society. Montréal,in particular,is a cosmopolitan city where English is widely spoken. Multiculturalism in Québec film is a growing theme.

* Attracting International talent: Including English allows for easier collaboration with actors, writers, and crew from around the world.International film collaborations are becoming more frequent.

Notable Examples: Films Bridging the Linguistic Divide

Several recent Québec films demonstrate this trend.

1. Brother (2023): While primarily in French,this crime drama features significant English dialogue,reflecting the characters’ interactions within Montréal’s diverse underworld. The film garnered international acclaim, partly attributed to its accessibility to a wider audience.
2. The Decline (2024): This critically acclaimed drama, exploring themes of family and societal change, strategically incorporates English to portray the characters’ evolving relationship with the outside world.
3. Co-productions with Europe: Numerous co-productions between Québec and European countries (France, Belgium, etc.) often utilize a mix of French and English, catering to both markets.european film co-productions are a key source of funding.

The Impact on Québec’s Cultural Identity

The increased use of English has sparked debate within Québec. Concerns have been raised about the potential erosion of the French language and cultural identity. Though,most filmmakers and industry professionals emphasize that English is being used strategically,not as a replacement for french. The core of Québec cinema remains firmly rooted in its French-speaking heritage. Preserving Québec culture remains a priority.

* Maintaining Linguistic Balance: Many productions actively work to maintain a balance between French and English, ensuring that French remains the dominant language.

* Promoting Francophone Talent: The Québec government continues to invest heavily in supporting Francophone filmmakers and promoting French-language cinema. Government support for Québec film is vital.

* subtitling and Dubbing: Increased availability of subtitled and dubbed versions of Québec films allows for wider accessibility without compromising the original language. Film subtitling and dubbing are essential for international reach.

Benefits of Bilingualism in Québec Cinema

embracing a degree of linguistic flexibility offers several advantages:

* Increased Funding: Access to a broader range of funding sources.

* Wider distribution: Greater potential for international distribution and festival recognition.

* Enhanced Creative Opportunities: Collaboration with a more diverse pool of talent.

* Greater Audience Reach: Attracting both Francophone and Anglophone viewers.

* Elevated International Profile: Raising the profile of Québec cinema on the global stage. Québec cinema on the international stage is gaining momentum.

Practical Tips for Filmmakers Navigating Bilingual Production

For filmmakers considering incorporating english into their projects:

* Strategic Integration: Use English purposefully, only when it enhances the narrative or serves a specific artistic goal.

* Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of the cultural context and avoid using English gratuitously.

* Professional Translation & Subtitling: Invest in high-quality translation and subtitling services to ensure accuracy and clarity.

* Market Research: Understand the target audience and tailor the language accordingly.

* Funding Application Awareness: Carefully review the language requirements of potential funding sources.

Resources for Québec Filmmakers

* Société québécoise du cinéma, de la télévision, du numérique et de l’animation (SODEC): https://www.sodec.qc.ca/en/

* Téléfilm Canada: https://telefilm.ca/en/

* Québecor Fund: https://www.fondquebecor.com/en/

* **Canada Media fund