From its humble beginnings in 1971, the forward-looking film event Festival du Nouveau Cinéma (FNC) has provided Montreal audiences with the latest in film, video and noteworthy television.
With a focus on bringing together like-minded creatives and fans of experimental films and documentaries, the annual fall celebration presents new works by some of the world’s most renowned cinema artists alongside new films from Canada and Quebec.
The event also includes a four-day forum aimed at young filmmakers and creators, as well as the FNC Explore, which puts a spotlight on new technologies and innovations.
The FNC also presents a series of awards including the Louve d’Or prize, awarded to the best film of the year. Past winners include Claire Denis’ Beau Travail, Maren Ade’s Toni Erdmann and Aquí y Alláby Mexican director Antonio Mendez Esparza.
As of the 2019 edition, the International Critics Prize – as selected by the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) – will also be presented to the best first feature screened at the FNC, a prestigious honour also awarded at the Venice, Berlin, Cannes and Toronto film festivals.
Some of the 2019 new releases include: Varda par Agnèsby Agnès Varda (France), Sorry We Missed Youby Ken Loach (United Kingdom), Douleur et gloire by Pedro Almodovar (Spain) and Honourby Atom Egoyan (Canada), as well as new films from fellow Canadian filmmakers including Sophie Deraspe, Bédard Marcotte and André Forcier
Aside from media recommendations, reviewing the FNC guide and discovering in the plethora of screenings a treasure, even if only in your eyes, remains the festival’s strength.
The 2019 FNC opened Wednesday and runs until October 20. For more information visit the FNC website.