Montreal, February 1, 2017—The South Korean-born filmmaker kimura byol-nathalie lemoine has been chosen for the 2017 Regard sur Montréal residency, enabling her to work on the writing, directing, post-production and distribution of her short film Projet Montréal #6261. Valued at $65,000, this residency is offered jointly by the Conseil des arts de Montréal, SODEC and NFB, in collaboration with Les Films de l’Autre.
kimura byol-nathalie lemoine’s project involves meeting Montrealers of all origins who share the street number 6261. She will visit numerous neighbourhoods to meet people with diverse histories, but united by their life in Montreal. She will explore the reasons that led them to settle in the city, their perceptions of Montrealers, their choice of residence and neighbourhood, as well as their memories of arriving in the city. The jury was impressed by the power and depth of the artist’s vision, and her original interpretation of the imposed theme, supported by a remarkable cinematic procedure. Intended as a participatory photographic and videographic exercise, the film proposes a fresh documentary approach and a vision of Montreal that embraces the hybrid identities of its inhabitants. The film will be developed and produced by Microclimat Films.
kimura byol-nathalie lemoine is a conceptual multimedia feminist artist whose work focuses on identities (diaspora, ethnicity, colourism, post-colonialism, immigration, gender), expressed through calligraphy, painting, digital images, poems, videos and photography. Her work has been exhibited, screened and published internationally. As a curator, she has developed projects that give voice and visibility to minorities, and as an activist archivist she continues her work with ACA (Adoptees Cultural Archives) in documenting the history of adopted persons through media and the arts. Among other distinctions, she received a Mentorship Program Support Grant from MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels), a Vivacité Montréal Grant from the Conseil des Arts de Montréal, and the 2016 Powerhouse Prize from La Centrale Galerie Powerhouse.
The Conseil des arts de Montréal, the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) and the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), through its ACIC program,* have joined forces to offer this third Regard sur Montréal residency, intended for emerging filmmakers who are first-generation immigrants or from a visible minority.
Drawing upon the joint efforts of three levels of government, this residency aims to increase the presence of culturally diverse professional filmmakers in the television and film industries. This third edition will once again involve the collaboration of the independent filmmaker’s centre Les Films de l’Autre. Cultural diversity is an important component of Montreal’s artistic development, recognized as a key factor in raising the city’s profile.
*ACIC: Independent Filmmaker Assistance Program (French program of NFB)
About the Conseil des arts de Montréal
A driving force in the Montreal art world, the Conseil des arts de Montréal identifies, supports and recognizes excellence and innovation in professional creation, production and presentation. It prepares the ground for bold experimentation and discoveries, paying particular attention to emerging and culturally diverse artists. Since 1956, the Conseil des arts de Montréal has helped to make Montreal a true “cultural metropolis.”
About SODEC
The Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) is a government corporation accountable to Quebec’s Ministre de la Culture et des Communications. Created in 1995, it has become a veritable engine for cultural development, resolutely pursuing its mission of promoting and supporting, in all regions of Quebec, the establishment and development of cultural organizations. It also ensures the presence of these enterprises at international fairs, festivals and markets. For further information, visit www.sodec.gouv.qc.ca.
About NFB
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) creates innovative interactive works, social-issue documentaries and auteur animation. The NFB has created over 13,000 productions and received over 5,000 awards, including 14 Canadian Screen Awards, 11 Webbys, 12 Oscars and more than 90 Genies. Over 3,000 NFB productions can be streamed online at NFB.ca, and via its family of apps for smartphones, tablets and connected TV.
About Les Films de l’Autre
Les Films de l’Autre is a non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage formal research and freedom of creation in independent film. The centre holds a unique position in Quebec’s cinematic community, bringing together filmmakers who are both producers and directors of their works.
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Conseil des arts de Montréal
Tania Orméjuste
Director of Communications and Territorial Initiatives
(514) 280-3991
tormejuste.p@ville.montreal.qc.ca
National Film Board of Canada
Lily Robert
Director, Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs
(514) 283-3838
l.robert@onf.ca
Les Films de l’Autre
Annick Nantel
Administrative Director
(514) 396-2651
annick@lesfilmsdelautre.com
Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)
Johanne Morissette
Director of Communications
(514) 841-2314, 1 800 363-0401 (toll-free)
Johanne.Morissette@sodec.gouv.qc.ca