Image+Nation
LA RENAISSANCE D'EMA ET DE PORT-ALFRED

LA RENAISSANCE D'EMA ET DE PORT-ALFRED

CLAUDE DESBIENS + PRISCILLA PLAMONDON LALANCETTE | CANADA | 2025 | 9 MIN | FRENCH EST

CLAUDE DESBIENS + PRISCILLA PLAMONDON LALANCETTE | CANADA | 2025 | 9 MIN | FRENCH EST

IN-CINEMAVIRTUALShort

Subtitles: English

NOV 22 / 13:00Cinéma Public505 Rue Jean-Talon E. Montréal, QC H2R 1T6 (métro Jean-Talon)

Synopsis

As Ema embraces their non-binary identity, they become a driving force in Port-Alfred's renewal. Reviving a workers' tavern and co-founding a microbrewery and performance venue, their personal transformation becomes intertwined with that of an entire neighbourhood.

Filmmaker Bio

Claude Desbiens, a native of Saguenay, is a digital director at Radio-Canada, where she has been working since 2009. She coproduced this piece with Priscilla Plamondon Lalancette, a queer reporter at Radio-Canada since 2008. Priscilla won a Gémeaux Award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television in 2025 for the investigative documentary Hell Castle, in the category Best Research.

Director's Statement

From the outset, our commitment was clear: build a relationship grounded in trust, respect, and care. […] This film is the result of a true collaboration. Through sustained dialogue and presence, Ema shared their story not as a victim, but as a force for change. Their personal affirmation runs parallel to the rebirth of Port-Alfred. […] At a time of growing bigotry, this documentary offers a necessary counter-narrative. It replaces abstraction with humanity, and fear with solidarity.

Filmmaker Bio

Writer

Priscilla Plamondon Lalancette

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