Image+Nation
LA RAFLE DU TRUXX – 22 OCTOBRE 1977                  

LA RAFLE DU TRUXX – 22 OCTOBRE 1977                  

FRANÇOIS BELLEMARE | CANADA | 2025 | 16 MIN | FRENCH

FREE SCREENING // NOTE > TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH ONLINE TICKETING - TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR

FRANÇOIS BELLEMARE | CANADA | 2025 | 16 MIN | FRENCH

ShortI+N CONNEXE

Synopsis

Interview with Gilbert Higgins, one of the 146 victims of the police raid on the Truxx, a gay bar on Stanley Street in Montreal, on the night of October 22, 1977. The reaction it triggered became one of the precursor events to the creation of what was first called Le Village de l’Est (in contrast to the gay bar sector west of downtown), then Le Village gai, and now simply Le Village.

Filmmaker Bio

Active in journalism and poetry, François Bellemare is also the author of the satirical novel La renaissance de L’interlope (Sémaphore, 2022), a fiction set in 2029 in the Red Light District and the Village. Self-taught in everything and a graduate from Nowhere, he is curator of the exhibition L’Émergence du Village gai (Montréal 1974-1990), currently presented at Archives gaies du Québec (AGQ) to highlight the “foundation” of what was first called Le Village de l’Est (in contrast to the gay sector west of downtown), then Le Village gai, and now simply Le Village.

Producer

Archives gaies du Québec (AGQ)

Also playing with

PosterShort
LA MILITANCE GAIE À MONTRÉAL (1976-1984) [I+N CONNEXE]16 minutesThis programme includes 3 filmsL’ÉMERGENCE DU VILLAGE GAI (MONTRÉAL 1974–1990) 48 minutes

Interview with Denis B. Lapointe (formerly known as Denis Levesque) about the associative movement of the gay community in Montreal — among others, at the ADGQ — during the years leading to the establishment of what was first called Le Village de l’Est (in contrast to the gay bar sector west of downtown), then Le Village gai, and now simply Le Village. The third of the documentary series L'émergence du Village gai.

PosterShort
FACE AU VIH, LA RÉSILIENCE (1983-1995)                  [I+N CONNEXE]16 minutesThis programme includes 3 filmsL’ÉMERGENCE DU VILLAGE GAI (MONTRÉAL 1974–1990) 48 minutes

Interview with Gregory Rowe, who came from Western Canada to settle in Montreal in 1983. In addition to his comments on his experience in the English-speaking part of the gay movement, he gives a poignant account of his resilience in the face of the HIV crisis (which he has been carrying for 37 years), and his involvement in organizations that support HIV-positive people.

PosterShort
LA MILITANCE GAIE À MONTRÉAL (1976-1984) [I+N CONNEXE]16 minutesThis programme includes 3 filmsL’ÉMERGENCE DU VILLAGE GAI (MONTRÉAL 1974–1990) 48 minutes

Interview with Denis B. Lapointe (formerly known as Denis Levesque) about the associative movement of the gay community in Montreal — among others, at the ADGQ — during the years leading to the establishment of what was first called Le Village de l’Est (in contrast to the gay bar sector west of downtown), then Le Village gai, and now simply Le Village. The third of the documentary series L'émergence du Village gai.

PosterShort
FACE AU VIH, LA RÉSILIENCE (1983-1995)                  [I+N CONNEXE]16 minutesThis programme includes 3 filmsL’ÉMERGENCE DU VILLAGE GAI (MONTRÉAL 1974–1990) 48 minutes

Interview with Gregory Rowe, who came from Western Canada to settle in Montreal in 1983. In addition to his comments on his experience in the English-speaking part of the gay movement, he gives a poignant account of his resilience in the face of the HIV crisis (which he has been carrying for 37 years), and his involvement in organizations that support HIV-positive people.

You might also like

PosterShort
FouBARthes: The Death of the Author[I+N CONNEXE]3 minutes

Media performance artist Dayna McLeod asked ChatGPT to write an increasingly snarky and heated dialogue between Roland Barthes and Michel Foucault about The Death of the Author, inspired by Barthes' famous essay. This script is performed by AI actors of the theorists, with Dayna’s AI doppelgänger, DaynAI, acting as host to their debate.

PosterShort
BURLESQUE[I+N CONNEXE]7 minutes

Burlesque, a student documentary exploring the world of burlesque as a space for artistic expression and personal liberation, where performers channel their creativity and sensuality. Through their voices, they speak about the power of the stage to reconnect with their bodies and establish a deep connection with the audience. Burlesque is presented as a feminist, inclusive, and supportive environment, celebrating gender and body diversity. The action takes place at the Wiggle Room, located in Montreal. It is the only burlesque cabaret in Canada, known for its warm atmosphere and strong sense of community.

PosterShort
HIKO[I+N CONNEXE]10 minutes

Hiko, 11, runs away from a neighborhood party after a disagreement with his mother over his refusal to wear makeup. He stumbles upon a mysterious circus tent, where an unexpected encounter reshapes his perception of himself. This magical adventure compels him to face his choices and explore his own identity.

PosterShort
NOT TODAY [I+N CONNEXE]4 minutes

In this short horror-comedy film, two grieving drag queens are mourning the sudden loss of their beloved Drag Mother. While going over her things they stumble upon a mysterious VHS tape. As they press play; a chilling silhouette emerges, sparking an unexpected chain of events for the duo.

PosterShort
FATAL TEMPTATION[I+N CONNEXE]13 minutes

As detective Evelyn Dubois arrests gangster Billy “the Devil” Dwayne, he gets shot in front of her. In her office with a blood stained shirt, a knock is heard on the door... Her client Liliane Wang comes to confirm the rumours circulating in town. But did she really come only for this reason?

PosterShort
Don't Ask Don't Tell Gay, Gay, Gay[I+N CONNEXE]1 minutes

I watch tv so you don't have to. Like the short description summaries that often accompany tv programs though an on-screen cable guide, Don't Ask Don't Tell Gay, Gay, Gay is a jump-cut/short-cut edit that summarizes the content of Season 4, episode 4 of Boston Legal. All excess footage has been removed to capture the mainstream reflection and tone of American discourse around DADT.

PosterShort
LA MILITANCE GAIE À MONTRÉAL (1976-1984) [I+N CONNEXE]16 minutes

Interview with Denis B. Lapointe (formerly known as Denis Levesque) about the associative movement of the gay community in Montreal — among others, at the ADGQ — during the years leading to the establishment of what was first called Le Village de l’Est (in contrast to the gay bar sector west of downtown), then Le Village gai, and now simply Le Village. The third of the documentary series L'émergence du Village gai.

PosterShort
TTT (Tㅌト)[I+N CONNEXE]4 minutes

After the 100th 'The Thursday Testo,' (TTT), the tri-linguistic references such as the Roman and Korean (Hangeul) alphabets and the Japanese syllabic (Katana) alphabet of the word TRANS on a comedy sketch by Kě.

PosterFeatureVIRTUAL EXCLUSIVE
STARWALKER[I+N CONNEXE]116 minutes

“Ladies and well … gender is a spectrum.” Eddie Starwalker aka Star (Dillan Chiblow) is an Oji-Cree call boy whose life takes a fateful turn when he meets handsome Levi (Jeffrey Michael Follis), then watches his drag show at the House of Borealis, awakening the call to his two-spirit identity. Corey Payette’s musical delivers dynamic performances with Indigenous storytelling and drumming songs craftfully weaved among themes of queer joy, resilience, and self-determination. Contrasted by the rainy climate and industrial scenes of East Vancouver, the campy magic of the fictional drag club—run by Mother Borealis (Stewart Adam McKensy)—burns bright with punchy numbers featuring its star, Star, learning how to apply make-up and shop for dresses, proud despite the scornful gaze of shopkeepers. Then, the stage lights give way to some of the darker shadows of drag life—from addiction, to backstage rivalry, to discrimination from the health care system—as tragedy strikes Star’s newfound home and he begins to collapse under the pressure. Faced with his past—namely, the trauma of racism—Star longs to reconnect with his roots, and also to learn, for the first time, what it means to show up for family.

PosterShort
STUBBLE[I+N CONNEXE]13 minutes

“Stubble” is an experimental documentary, in which Emma asks people when do you wish to be soft, when do you long to be rough, and when are you both at the same time? Each scene is a fantasy the subjects are invited to play inside. While interviewees’ honest answers offer glimpses into their own inner worlds and contrasting experiences. Merging both the real life and staged aspects of the film.

PosterShort
FouBARthes: The Death of the Author[I+N CONNEXE]3 minutes

Media performance artist Dayna McLeod asked ChatGPT to write an increasingly snarky and heated dialogue between Roland Barthes and Michel Foucault about The Death of the Author, inspired by Barthes' famous essay. This script is performed by AI actors of the theorists, with Dayna’s AI doppelgänger, DaynAI, acting as host to their debate.

PosterShort
BURLESQUE[I+N CONNEXE]7 minutes

Burlesque, a student documentary exploring the world of burlesque as a space for artistic expression and personal liberation, where performers channel their creativity and sensuality. Through their voices, they speak about the power of the stage to reconnect with their bodies and establish a deep connection with the audience. Burlesque is presented as a feminist, inclusive, and supportive environment, celebrating gender and body diversity. The action takes place at the Wiggle Room, located in Montreal. It is the only burlesque cabaret in Canada, known for its warm atmosphere and strong sense of community.

PosterShort
HIKO[I+N CONNEXE]10 minutes

Hiko, 11, runs away from a neighborhood party after a disagreement with his mother over his refusal to wear makeup. He stumbles upon a mysterious circus tent, where an unexpected encounter reshapes his perception of himself. This magical adventure compels him to face his choices and explore his own identity.

PosterShort
NOT TODAY [I+N CONNEXE]4 minutes

In this short horror-comedy film, two grieving drag queens are mourning the sudden loss of their beloved Drag Mother. While going over her things they stumble upon a mysterious VHS tape. As they press play; a chilling silhouette emerges, sparking an unexpected chain of events for the duo.

PosterShort
FATAL TEMPTATION[I+N CONNEXE]13 minutes

As detective Evelyn Dubois arrests gangster Billy “the Devil” Dwayne, he gets shot in front of her. In her office with a blood stained shirt, a knock is heard on the door... Her client Liliane Wang comes to confirm the rumours circulating in town. But did she really come only for this reason?

PosterShort
Don't Ask Don't Tell Gay, Gay, Gay[I+N CONNEXE]1 minutes

I watch tv so you don't have to. Like the short description summaries that often accompany tv programs though an on-screen cable guide, Don't Ask Don't Tell Gay, Gay, Gay is a jump-cut/short-cut edit that summarizes the content of Season 4, episode 4 of Boston Legal. All excess footage has been removed to capture the mainstream reflection and tone of American discourse around DADT.

PosterShort
LA MILITANCE GAIE À MONTRÉAL (1976-1984) [I+N CONNEXE]16 minutes

Interview with Denis B. Lapointe (formerly known as Denis Levesque) about the associative movement of the gay community in Montreal — among others, at the ADGQ — during the years leading to the establishment of what was first called Le Village de l’Est (in contrast to the gay bar sector west of downtown), then Le Village gai, and now simply Le Village. The third of the documentary series L'émergence du Village gai.

PosterShort
TTT (Tㅌト)[I+N CONNEXE]4 minutes

After the 100th 'The Thursday Testo,' (TTT), the tri-linguistic references such as the Roman and Korean (Hangeul) alphabets and the Japanese syllabic (Katana) alphabet of the word TRANS on a comedy sketch by Kě.

PosterFeatureVIRTUAL EXCLUSIVE
STARWALKER[I+N CONNEXE]116 minutes

“Ladies and well … gender is a spectrum.” Eddie Starwalker aka Star (Dillan Chiblow) is an Oji-Cree call boy whose life takes a fateful turn when he meets handsome Levi (Jeffrey Michael Follis), then watches his drag show at the House of Borealis, awakening the call to his two-spirit identity. Corey Payette’s musical delivers dynamic performances with Indigenous storytelling and drumming songs craftfully weaved among themes of queer joy, resilience, and self-determination. Contrasted by the rainy climate and industrial scenes of East Vancouver, the campy magic of the fictional drag club—run by Mother Borealis (Stewart Adam McKensy)—burns bright with punchy numbers featuring its star, Star, learning how to apply make-up and shop for dresses, proud despite the scornful gaze of shopkeepers. Then, the stage lights give way to some of the darker shadows of drag life—from addiction, to backstage rivalry, to discrimination from the health care system—as tragedy strikes Star’s newfound home and he begins to collapse under the pressure. Faced with his past—namely, the trauma of racism—Star longs to reconnect with his roots, and also to learn, for the first time, what it means to show up for family.

PosterShort
STUBBLE[I+N CONNEXE]13 minutes

“Stubble” is an experimental documentary, in which Emma asks people when do you wish to be soft, when do you long to be rough, and when are you both at the same time? Each scene is a fantasy the subjects are invited to play inside. While interviewees’ honest answers offer glimpses into their own inner worlds and contrasting experiences. Merging both the real life and staged aspects of the film.