Once again, Emmanuel Schwartz has chosen to showcase the theater students from the professional program at the École de Théâtre du Collège Lionel-Groulx in a film that marks the end of their training before they receive their diplomas. Lize Dompierre, a soon-to-be graduate battling a relentless illness, has chosen to remain with her cohort until the very last day of their shared journey. Her peers decide to create a unique performance for her — a blend of funeral ritual and theatrical happening: a solemn farewell defined by unwavering artistic dedication, honoring their friend. As an eclipse darkens the sky, casting an eerie shadow over this day filled with nostalgia and ominous portents, the fate of the cohort shifts, forever altered.
Director’s Statement:
What does the future hold? What will we become?
These questions are not just for graduating theater students — they burn within us all, stirring worry, shaping us, and captivating our imagination.
For the second time, the École de Théâtre Professionnel du Collège Lionel-Groulx and invaluable collaborators have allowed me to offer a cohort of graduating performers the experience of shooting a feature film — diving into the human and artistic turmoil that shakes the very soul of these emerging artists. I wrote them a tailor-made script, a story built like a riddle, inspired by their presence and their deeply moving talent. And so, after Projet Pigeons and Le Partage, here is another UFO — an unidentified cinematic object.
Through the winding paths of fiction, I have had the privilege of encountering extraordinary people. With this film, allow me to introduce you to these young artists, who deserve your full attention. Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude to the dedicated professional artists who generously joined the project and lent us their support. Thank you for helping us learn how to play. Thanks also to the entire FIFA team, to Philippe Drago and Jacynthe Brisebois, for their unwavering support. In these complicated times, I shout to you : Joy and happy cinema !
- Emmanuel Schwartz
Director’s Statement:
What does the future hold? What will we become?
These questions are not just for graduating theater students — they burn within us all, stirring worry, shaping us, and captivating our imagination.
For the second time, the École de Théâtre Professionnel du Collège Lionel-Groulx and invaluable collaborators have allowed me to offer a cohort of graduating performers the experience of shooting a feature film — diving into the human and artistic turmoil that shakes the very soul of these emerging artists. I wrote them a tailor-made script, a story built like a riddle, inspired by their presence and their deeply moving talent. And so, after Projet Pigeons and Le Partage, here is another UFO — an unidentified cinematic object.
Through the winding paths of fiction, I have had the privilege of encountering extraordinary people. With this film, allow me to introduce you to these young artists, who deserve your full attention. Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude to the dedicated professional artists who generously joined the project and lent us their support. Thank you for helping us learn how to play. Thanks also to the entire FIFA team, to Philippe Drago and Jacynthe Brisebois, for their unwavering support. In these complicated times, I shout to you : Joy and happy cinema !
- Emmanuel Schwartz
| Director of Photography | Philippe St-Gelais |
| Scenarisation | Emmanuel Schwartz |
| Artistic Direction | Julianne Lebel |
| Editing | Alex Beauséjour |
| Sound Recording | Thierry Bourguault D'Amico |
| Colorization | Tristan Lauzon |
| Music | Andy Bourgeois |
Present in these collections
Session
• Cinéma du Musée - Auditorium Maxwell-Cummings
Friday, march 14, 2025, 07:45 p.m. — 09:08 p.m.
Production
Emmanuel Schwartz
Emmanuel Schwartz is a dynamic and multifaceted artist, he seamlessly transitions between acting, writing, and directing. For over a decade, he has collaborated with leading-edge institutions such as the National Arts Centre, Festival TransAmériques, La Chapelle Scènes Contemporaines, and the Centre du Théâtre d’Aujourd’hui, where he has presented acclaimed works like Chroniques, Nathan, L’Exhibition, and Le Partage.
On stage, he has worked with celebrated creators including Wajdi Mouawad, Denis Marleau, Dave Saint-Pierre, Mani Soleymanlou, and Marc Beaupré. On screen, his performances stand out in the films of renowned directors like Xavier Dolan, Denis Villeneuve, François Girard, and Jennifer Alleyn.
For the past decade, he has also been a guest instructor at UQAM and the École de Théâtre Professionnel at Collège Lionel-Groulx. His second feature film, L’Avenir, created with a graduating cohort of performers, follows Projet Pigeons, which premiered at FIFA in 2022.
A vital presence in both theatre and cinema, he infuses boldness and dedication into every artistic endeavor.
Biographical notes provided by the film production team
On stage, he has worked with celebrated creators including Wajdi Mouawad, Denis Marleau, Dave Saint-Pierre, Mani Soleymanlou, and Marc Beaupré. On screen, his performances stand out in the films of renowned directors like Xavier Dolan, Denis Villeneuve, François Girard, and Jennifer Alleyn.
For the past decade, he has also been a guest instructor at UQAM and the École de Théâtre Professionnel at Collège Lionel-Groulx. His second feature film, L’Avenir, created with a graduating cohort of performers, follows Projet Pigeons, which premiered at FIFA in 2022.
A vital presence in both theatre and cinema, he infuses boldness and dedication into every artistic endeavor.
Biographical notes provided by the film production team
Projet Pigeons (2022)
Le Partage (2024)
Le Partage (2024)
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