Editor: Spacing is pleased to continue our partnership with the National Film Board of Canada to showcase films and interactive projects from their online screening room. Julie Matlin of the NFB will be occasionally posting films here on Spacing that explore public spaces, Canadian or international cities and anything urban. The NFB is one of Canada’s greatest resources. Click here to view their entire online collection.
St-Henri, the 26th of August is a beautiful little film directed by Shannon Walsh (H2Oil) and 16 fellow documentary filmmakers. Shot in the cinéma-vérité style, it chronicles a day in the life of the inhabitants of a working-class neighbourhood. Throughout the film we’re introduced to some of the most compelling characters you’ll see on screen, but the true star of the story is St-Henri. From the Greenspot Restaurant on Notre-Dame to the canal by Atwater Market, the former working-class neighbourhood shines.
The film will be playing at the Cinéma Parallèle from Friday, May 20 to Thursday, May 26. It’s the original French version with English sub-titles.
In addition, the film features original music from pianist/singer Patrick Watson. You can stream 3 of the tracks over at the NFB.ca blog.