Les Acadiens de la dispersion
Born in 1928 and having passed away a few months ago, Léonard Forest was the first Acadian filmmaker. While he had a prolific and diverse career at the NFB from Montreal starting in the 1950s, Acadia and Acadian identity remained central to his work, as reflected in the films presented in this tribute program. Beyond their cultural, historical, and sociological value, these works showcase the inventiveness, sincerity, and creative freedom of a filmmaker who was also an accomplished poet.
Documentary on Acadian identity, with music by Édith Butler. This film takes us on a journey to the heart of the dispersed Acadian family, to give us an insight into the brand-new perspectives on the social, economic, cultural, religious, traditional and even political life of Acadia. Filmed in Canada, France and Louisiana.
Léonard Forest
Léonard Forest is a French-speaking Acadian artist, poet, and filmmaker. He pursued a classical education at Collège Saint-Joseph in Memramcook, where he discovered cinema. There, he created a film club that caused a scandal and wrote a cinema column for L'Évangéline. In 1953, he was hired by the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), where he served as the Director of General French Production and Director of the French Television Team from 1958 to 1959. He was a key figure in the regionalization of the NFB, leading to the opening of Francophone offices in Acadia and Ontario. Additionally, he oversaw the restructuring of the Social Research Group, which became the "Challenge for Change" program. Forest was also the founding president of the General Union of Cinema and Television. He retired from the NFB in 1983 after working on over 130 films as a screenwriter, producer, director, or editor. His notable works include Les aboiteaux (1955), Pêcheurs de Pomcoup (1956), Les Acadiens de la dispersion (1968), La noce est pas finie (1969) et Un soleil pas comme ailleurs (1972). Since the 1960s, he has also published several poems, essays, and short stories. His poems, characterized by their softness and nostalgia for historical Acadia, contrast with his more militant films, reflecting the spirit of the NFB. The Université de Moncton awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1992, and in 2016, he received a tribute award at the Éloizes for his lifetime achievements.
Photo: Robert Etcheverry
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Léonard Forest : filmer l’Acadie au présent
Léonard Forest est le pionnier du cinéma acadien. Né en 1928, il est décédé au printemps dernier, laissant derrière lui une longue carrière de producteur et réalisateur menée à l’ONF. Nous lui rendons hommage en présentant la trilogie de films qu’il a consacrés à l’Acadie.
