Québec cinema has a distinctive voice — tender, bold, infused with humor and emotion. For decades, a vibrant film culture has been evolving there, one that absorbs and embraces elements from diverse cultural identities. It is no coincidence that Québec is now regarded as one of the most dynamic centers of French-language filmmaking in the world.
In the field of cinema for children and young people, this region has developed a rich and enduring tradition. Filmmakers from different backgrounds naturally turn to youth-oriented stories — films that speak about family, friendship, growing up, and the small and big acts of rebellion that shape everyday life. At the same time, Québec boasts one of the most active networks supporting children’s and youth cinema, with festivals, educational programs, and organizations that give young generations the space to create and express themselves through moving images.
Our tribute presents a selection of films that capture the vitality and diversity of French-Canadian cinema — a cinematic journey through worlds that may seem distant, yet touch upon the same questions, dreams, and hopes shared by children and young people everywhere.
Miss Boots
Yan Lanouette Turgeon, Καναδάς, 111’, 2024
Philippe, an uninspired opera composer, is forced to take in his niece Simone — a rebellious and eccentric girl, whose best friend happens to be a skunk. Despite their completely opposite personalities, Philippe and Simone soon discover that they may need each other more than they ever imagined.
Topics: Music, Family, Human Relationships – Available Educational Material – Grades 4–6 (Primary), Middle School
My very own circus
Miryam Bouchard, Καναδάς, 105’, 2020
When your father is a clown, does that mean your life is all laughter and joy? Not for twelve-year-old Laura. A bright and organized student, she dreams of a steadier, quieter life, far from the chaotic, nomadic world of circus caravans. For Bill, her father, it’s not easy to accept that his daughter has her own dreams — ones that may differ completely from his. A tender and moving coming-of-age story about a father and daughter learning to find balance between laughter and reality.
Topics:: family, dreams, education - Educational Material - Grades 4–6 (Primary), Middle School
Coco Farm
Sébastien Gagné, Καναδάς, 88’, 2023
Twelve-year-old Max, a young entrepreneur, is forced to shut down his garage-based business and move with his father to a remote rural village. When Max discovers chickens in his cousin Charles’s old, abandoned barn, he sees a business opportunity. Together with Charles and Alice — a young YouTuber famous for her gardening videos — they set out to build a farm with 500 hens.
Topics:friendship, creativity, youth entrepreneurship, family, ecology – Educational material – Grades 4–6 (Primary), Middle School
Blue sky Jo
Patrice Sauvé, Καναδάς, 105’, 2024
Ten-year-old Helene, who prefers to be called Jo (because she wants to live like her favorite cartoon heroine Joséphine, The Little Musketeer) lives in a blue collar diverse neighborhood with her busy father, strict but loving mother, and three sisters. Despite her family’s struggles, Jo makes it her mission of doing something great and sets out to save her father from his work and his misery. Along the way, she forms a bond with her grumpy yet kind-hearted neighbor, Mister Roger.
Topics:: family, dreams, friendship, elderly - Middle School, High School
Antigone
Sophie Deraspe, Καναδάς, 109’, 2019
Antigone, an outstanding student and model citizen, breaks the law by helping her brother escape from prison. As the authorities close in on her, she stands her ground against the police, the judicial and penal systems — even against the father of her boyfriend, Haemon. Her firm refusal to compromise her sense of justice earns her the support of her peers, who rally behind her through social media and colorful street demonstrations. Rejecting an offer that could secure her future, Antigone chooses love and loyalty to her immigrant family.
Topics: family, solidarity, loss, power of art, courage, imagination, friendship, myth – Available educational material – High school
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