Atikamekw Suns
The Prix RÉALS aim to recognize ARRQ members who have demonstrated daring, originality, and/or taken creative and narrative risks in their work, or in a part of their work (such as a scene, title sequence, technological innovation, shot, etc.) that was broadcast over the past year.
In the presence of Chloé Leriche
Winner of the Prix RÉAL 2025 - Prix du jury
Winner of the Audience Award - Best French-language Feature Film, 2023 FNC
On June 26, 1977, a vehicle drives into a river outside the Atikamekw community of Manawan in northern Quebec. Two Whites survive the accident, but five Atikamekw lose their lives. The police conclude it was an accident, but for the victims’ families, many questions remain unanswered. A historical and poetic story — choral in structure, a hybrid between documentary and fiction — Atikamekw Suns is freely inspired by the dreams, impressions, and memories of the victims’ loved ones.
Chloé Leriche
Chloé Leriche was born in Quebec (Canada) in 1974. A self-taught filmmaker, she has written, directed, edited, and produced films and videos since 1999. Her work has been presented at numerous international festivals. She has participated in more than 200 short films as a filmmaker-instructor and assisted First Nations’ youths in producing their works with the Wapikoni Mobile production centre on wheels. These collaborations gave rise to her first feature film, Before the Streets (Avant les rues) which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2016 and went on to garner prizes around the world. Soleils Atikamekw (Atikamekw Suns), Chloé Leriche’s second feature, was again produced in collaboration with the Atikamekw community of Manawan, Quebec.
Bio & photo : FunFilm Distribution






