My Father, the King

In Moncton, a historic neighbourhood is obliterated by excavators. Meanwhile, the filmmaker's father succumbs to cancer. In this poetic film, illness and death parallel the demolition of a much-loved neighbourhood. What survives when buildings, trees and a loved one all vanish? In this case, photographs, conversations and the vivid memories shared by residents and by the film's director. Produced through the Tremplin competition, Voleuse de poussière pays homage to both a departed father and a vanished heritage.

The Trappists in Oka began making the famous Oka cheese around 1890. A Trappist monk from France taught them the recipe, which dates back to the 11th century. The blend of this age-old craft with Quebec's land and climate gave the cheese its special character - a uniqueness that industrial production has never been able to completely reproduce, claim the Trappists. Brother Albéric continues to make the cheese at an abbey in Manitoba according to traditional methods and a secret recipe written in a mysterious notebook. In tune with the slow pace of the daily existence of the Trappist cheese-makers, Yves Étienne Massicotte's film delves deeply into monastic life and follows its contemplative path. A Monk's Secret reveals a world far removed from the frenzy of productivity while at the same time serving as a pretext to reflect on the meaning of work and the role of individuals within their community.

Taken in by a loving family at the age of eight weeks, Alanna grew up in the majestic wilderness of the Yukon mountains. Because her mother drank heavily during pregnancy, Alanna's development was seriously compromised. She has fetal alcohol syndrome. She will never be like other kids. Tackling the subject with sensitivity, Julie Plourde's documentary speaks to the heart. Alanna is a wake-up call about a tragedy that's largely underestimated by the public but of growing concern to health professionals around the world. This short film was produced as part of the Tremplin contest, which gives young francophone directors outside Quebec a chance to make their first film under professional conditions.