September 8, 2026 – Moncton – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

More than half a century after Garolou first burst onto the scene, filmmaker Louise Lalonde revisits the roots of one of the landmark groups in French-Canadian music. Currently in production, her medium-length documentary Garolou: Aller-retour marks Lalonde’s first collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). Filming takes place on Prince Edward Island and elsewhere until mid-September 2026. Produced by Christine Aubé, the film is slated for release in 2027.

The return to the Maritimes is significant: for Franco-Ontarian brothers Michel and Marc Lalonde, Prince Edward Island is where the seeds of Garolou were first sown in the mid-1970s. The brothers recorded their first demo there in 1974 before heading to Quebec. Two years later, they released their debut album, Lougarou.

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“With this film, I want to tell a true story about perseverance, talent, taking chances—and being in the right place at the right time. It’s a story about breaking through language barriers and carrying boldly inventive music that’s rooted in tradition from one generation to the next,” said Lalonde.

By fusing traditional French-Canadian songs with rock and progressive sounds, Garolou created a musical identity that was uniquely its own.

For the documentary, Michel Lalonde—today an Island resident—reunites with Marc Lalonde, Gaston Gagnon and long-time musical director Réginald Guay. Former keyboardist Steve Naylor and violinist Bobby Lalonde are also part of the reunion, along with artist friends like Breen LeBoeuf and the duo Prairie Comeau (Anique Granger and Benoit Archambault). Their gathering sets the film in motion, opening the door to a journey through Garolou’s history and legacy, with personal encounters, archival material and concert footage bringing the story to life.

The shoot has personal resonance for the filmmaker, who now calls PEI home. What began as a short stay became a life choice after she connected with the Island’s Acadian and francophone community, following in the footsteps of several family members who had already settled there. 

About Louise Lalonde

Screenwriter, producer and director Louise Lalonde is based on Prince Edward Island and works in both English and French. Her television credits include the documentary Le camping à l’Île for TV5 Québec, as well as the documentary series Threading the Needle and Best Summer Camp Ever for Bell Fibe TV1. She also helped found Women in Film and Television – Atlantic (WIFT-AT). Her recent work includes À contre-mode, a standalone documentary produced for UnisTV and TV5 Monde.

Garolou

A film by Louise Lalonde
Producer: Christine Aubé
National Film Board of Canada
In production and shooting until mid-September 2026
Scheduled for release in 2027

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Press release  PDF here.

Version française ici.