ALERT • ARTFIFA 2025

 

Dear friends of FIFA,

With just five weeks to go before the opening of the 43rd edition of the International Festival of Films on Art, we are facing a significant challenge. Some private partners have withdrawn their support. The reason is clear: growing economic uncertainty, the recent U.S. presidential election, and the looming threat of new trade tariffs affecting Canada. This sudden shift represents a substantial financial shortfall for the Festival.

But we refuse to back down, and we need your support urgently.

Your donation is a cornerstone in the fragile edifice of culture, a spark that allows FIFA to continue shining as a unique cultural beacon on both the local and international artistic landscape.

DONATE HERE

Once again this year, we have remained committed to our essential mission: making the arts accessible to all. The 43rd edition of FIFA will showcase over 200 films from more than 40 countries, works that inspire, move, and challenge. We are also continuing to develop key initiatives:

• Inspiring Women, a program dedicated to women entrepreneurs in the arts and culture sector, fostering their professional development and visibility in an uncertain environment.
• A new program for emerging artists, designed to provide mentorship, professional training, and networking opportunities between local and international institutions. Through this initiative, we aim to equip and professionalize early-career artists within the networks of professional festivals.

In this difficult economic context, we have made a strong commitment: to keep ticket prices as low as possible so that the greatest number of people can experience the Festival. For example, our $30 all-access pass for audiences aged 30 and under (including taxes) grants unlimited access to all in-person screenings.

Today, we are making an urgent appeal: we need your support, now.

If you can, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a real difference:

With a donation of $50 or more, you will receive a tax receipt.
With a donation of $500 or more, you will be welcomed into our Club des 40, a circle of patrons, artists, and Festival ambassadors.
With a donation of $1,000 or more, you become a partner in creation, directly contributing to the visibility of artists and the works presented at FIFA. Your support will help fund the screening of a local film and provide an opportunity for a filmmaker to engage with the audience.
If you work for or own a company, sponsorship and visibility opportunities remain available for this 43rd edition. We would be delighted to discuss potential partnerships with you.

DONATE HERE

Your generosity will enable FIFA to maintain its ambitious programming, continue supporting artists, and withstand the economic challenges ahead.

If you have any questions or would like to explore tailored ways to contribute, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

We are deeply grateful for your commitment and look forward to welcoming you from March 13 to 23 in Montreal, from March 14 to 23 in Quebec City, and online via ARTS.FILM across the province from March 21 to 30.

Together, let’s champion the arts.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Philippe U. del Drago
Executive and Artistic Director
International Festival of Films on Art

ALERTE • ARTFIFA 2025

 

Chères amies, chers amis du FIFA,

À cinq semaines de l’ouverture de la 43ᵉ édition du Festival International du Film sur l’Art, nous faisons face à un défi de taille. Certain·e·s partenaires privé·e·s viennent de se retirer. La raison est simple : l’incertitude économique grandissante, la récente élection présidentielle aux États-Unis et la menace de nouveaux tarifs commerciaux qui pèsent sur le Canada. Ce revirement soudain représente un manque à gagner significatif pour le Festival.

Mais nous refusons de reculer et nous avons besoin de vous de façon urgente.

Votre don est une pierre dans l’édifice fragilisé de la culture, un éclat qui permet au FIFA de continuer à briller comme un fleuron unique du paysage artistique local et international.

DONNEZ ICI

Cette année encore, nous avons tenu à préserver notre mission essentielle : rendre les arts accessibles à toutes et à tous. La 43ᵉ édition du FIFA mettra à l’honneur plus de 200 films issus de plus de 40 pays, des œuvres qui inspirent, qui émeuvent, qui éveillent. Nous poursuivrons aussi des initiatives majeures :

• Femmes Inspirantes, dédiée aux femmes entrepreneures du milieu des arts et de la culture, pour favoriser leur épanouissement professionnel et leur rayonnement dans un environnement où règne l’incertitude.
• Un programme pour l’émergence, conçu pour accompagner les artistes de la relève, les former, les professionnaliser et créer des ponts entre institutions locales et internationales. Nous souhaitons, par cette initiative, outiller et professionnaliser les artistes en début de carrière au sein des réseaux de festivals professionnels.

Dans ce contexte difficile, nous avons pris une décision forte : maintenir des tarifs bas afin que le plus grand nombre puisse profiter du Festival. Le forfait 30 ans et moins à 30 $ (taxes incluses) permet ainsi d’accéder à l’ensemble des projections en salle.

Aujourd’hui, nous vous lançons un appel : nous avons besoin de votre soutien, maintenant.

Si vous le pouvez, faites un don. Chaque contribution, aussi modeste soit-elle, fait une différence :

Dès 50 $, vous recevrez un reçu pour fins d’impôt.
Dès 500 $, vous pourrez rejoindre notre Club des 40, un cercle de mécènes, d’artistes et d’ambassadeur·rice·s du Festival.
Dès 1 000 $, vous devenez partenaire de la création en contribuant directement au rayonnement des artistes et des œuvres présentées au FIFA. Votre soutien permet de financer la projection d’un film d’ici et d’offrir à un·e cinéaste l’opportunité de rencontrer le public.
Si vous travaillez dans une entreprise ou si vous en possédez une, des opportunités de commandite et de visibilité sont toujours disponibles pour cette 43ᵉ édition. Nous serions ravi·e·s d’en discuter avec vous.

DONNEZ ICI

Vos dons permettront au Festival de maintenir sa programmation ambitieuse, de continuer à soutenir les artistes et de résister aux turbulences économiques actuelles.

Si vous avez des questions ou souhaitez explorer des formes de soutien adaptées, n’hésitez pas à me contacter directement.

Nous vous remercions infiniment pour votre engagement et espérons vous retrouver nombreux·ses du 13 au 23 mars à Montréal, du 14 au 23 mars à Québec et en ligne sur ARTS.FILM à travers toute la province du 21 au 30 mars.

Ensemble, faisons triompher les arts.

Avec toute notre gratitude,

Philippe U. del Drago
Directeur général et artistique
Festival International du Film sur l’Art

DUCK POND à la TOHU • 5 au 9 février 2025

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Duck Pond de la compagnie Circa est une œuvre qui, tout en s'inspirant des classiques du ballet comme Le Lac des Cygnes et Le Vilain Petit Canard, se distingue par sa subtile élégance et ses moments d’acrobatie saisissants. La compagnie australienne, reconnue pour son approche novatrice du cirque moderne, évite le spectaculaire évident pour privilégier un équilibre finement dosé entre danse, théâtre et art du cirque. Le tout forme un univers où chaque mouvement semble parfaitement ajusté, où les corps s'harmonisent dans un équilibre précaire mais d’une grande beauté.

La trame de Duck Pond, bien qu’inspirée d'un conte de fées, propose une lecture plus intime et poétique que spectaculaire. L’histoire, qui évoque une sorte de triangle amoureux entre un prince, un vilain petit canard et un cygne noir, n’est jamais que le prétexte à une exploration de l’émotion et de la sensualité à travers l’acrobatie. Le spectacle joue sur des nuances subtiles, où les costumes en velours et les couleurs sombres (noir et or) ajoutent une touche de sophistication. La musique de Jethro Woodward, nourrie de fragments de Tchaïkovski, est un fond sonore omniprésent, mais qui reste au service de l’ambiance, loin des effets de climax grandiloquents.

Les numéros acrobatiques, particulièrement les formations en triptyque, sont un vrai délice visuel. Les corps se tordent et se déploient avec une précision incroyable, créant des compositions vivantes et en perpétuel mouvement. Mais le spectacle réserve aussi des instants plus décalés, comme une bagarre d’oreillers un peu trop rapide, ou encore des moments d’introspection où la tension retombe. Bien que la pièce soit d’une grande finesse et pleine de chaleur, il manque peut-être un peu de ce supplément d’âme qui donne la sensation d’une expérience inoubliable. Circa réussit encore une fois à toucher le public, mais on aurait aimé voir un peu plus de cette "pizzazz" qui fait le sel du grand spectacle.

INFO & BILLETS: ICI

France Gendron

LOVE HURTS in theatres February 7, 2025

TRAILER

 

Love Hurts offers a delightful mix of humor and high-octane action, skillfully executed by the talented Ke Huy Quan, who brings to life Marvin Gable—a likeable, albeit flawed, Milwaukee realtor drawn back into the dangerous world of crime he thought he'd left behind. The film’s charm lies in its ability to balance witty comedy with intense action sequences, making it an enjoyable ride from start to finish.

Jonathan "JoJo" Eusebio, making his feature film debut as director, shows his stunt roots in the seamless choreography and physicality of the film. Eusebio’s experience in martial arts and as a stunt coordinator is evident, delivering thrilling action set pieces that keep viewers on edge. His direction is fast-paced but never loses sight of character development, which is crucial in a film where humor and action are equally important.

Ke Huy Quan’s portrayal of Marvin is both endearing and hilarious, showcasing his impeccable timing in comedic moments while anchoring the emotional beats of the story. As Marvin is drawn back into a world of ruthless hitmen, double-crosses, and family betrayals, Quan’s ability to navigate both action and humor is a true testament to his versatility.

While Love Hurts may not be reinventing the wheel in terms of plot—it's essentially a fish-out-of-water story in a criminal underworld—its execution is fresh and exhilarating. The film is peppered with clever dialogue, delightful character dynamics, and nail-biting action, making it the perfect escape for audiences looking for a fun, light-hearted romp.

In a world where stress and chaos often dominate our daily lives, Love Hurts delivers exactly what it promises: an entertaining, heart-pounding escape with plenty of laughs along the way. It’s a blast from start to finish, and a clear example of why JoJo Eusebio is one to watch in the world of action filmmaking.

Cast: Ke Huy Quan as Marvin Gable, a former hitman-turned-successful realtor; Ariana DeBose as Rose, a former partner-in-crime who pulls Marvin back into a world of danger; Daniel Wu as Knuckles Gable, Marvin's volatile brother and a powerful crime lord.

LENA GHIO   

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E-AI 2025 MONTREAL • 26-27.02.2025

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E-AI 2025: Pushing the Boundaries of Creativity in the Age of AI

After its successful debut in June 2022, the E-AI event is returning to Montreal for its highly anticipated second edition. On February 26th and 27th, 2025, industry leaders, artists, and AI experts will gather at the Palais des Congrès to explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the creative, cultural, and entertainment industries. Under the theme "On a Human Scale," E-AI 2025 aims to demonstrate how technology can catalyze human creativity while preserving the authenticity and diversity of human expression.

E-AI is not just a conference; it's a call to action. It is a platform for those concerned about the future of creativity in an AI-driven world, offering an opportunity for artists, professionals, and enthusiasts alike to learn, share, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field. The event will feature a mix of inspiring panels, interactive workshops, and immersive experiences that showcase how AI is transforming the creative process.

As AI technologies continue to evolve at a rapid pace, the 2025 edition of E-AI will focus on maintaining the human essence of creativity while embracing these technological advances. AI in the arts—whether it's generating images on a smartphone, writing sophisticated texts in seconds, or even producing entire films—is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s happening today. E-AI seeks to keep this momentum going by highlighting the need for a balance between human creativity and AI’s potential to enhance the artistic process.

Key Themes: “On a Human Scale”

E-AI 2025 revolves around four major pillars, each focused on vital aspects of AI’s intersection with the creative industries:

1. The Impact of AI on Artists: AI is changing the role of artists and creatives, giving rise to new professions while challenging traditional boundaries. E-AI will explore how artists can adapt to these changes and embrace AI as both a tool for creation and as a transformative element in their creative journey.

2. Creative Industries: The event will delve into how AI is reshaping the creative industries, from gaming and film to music and visual arts. Discussions will focus on AI’s potential to drive innovation while fostering a collaborative, ethical approach to technology.

3. Sector-Specific Issues: From education and democratization of tools to intellectual property and monetization, the event will address key issues such as the role of AI in copyright laws, the commercialization of AI-generated works, and the ethical considerations in using AI in creative processes.

4. Case Studies and Practical Applications: Through concrete examples, E-AI 2025 will highlight how AI is already being used in creative practices. Attendees will hear from industry experts about both the successes and challenges they’ve faced when integrating AI into their work.

Notable Speakers and Participants

Among the confirmed speakers for this edition are Sandra Rodriguez from MIT, David Usher from Reimagine AI, Dennis Kastrup, journalist and artist, Yves Jacquier from Ubisoft, and Anne Nguyen from the Innovation Council of Quebec. Their insights will help guide discussions about the evolving relationship between AI and creativity, offering a glimpse into the future of the arts in an AI-augmented world.

A Space for Exploration and Experimentation

E-AI 2025 is designed to be a hands-on experience. Over the two days, attendees can participate in 50+ sessions, workshops, and immersive experiences that offer a deep dive into the practical applications of AI in the arts. This is a unique opportunity to experiment with current AI tools, share ideas, and learn from others working on the cutting edge of creative technologies.

Mark Stephens, Vice President of Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships at Connexion TV and a board member of E-AI, highlights, “AI is a powerful technological force, and like previous technological advancements, it holds immense potential for the cultural and creative industries. It’s about exploring new frontiers of creativity.”

Alexandre Teodoresco, Vice President of Strategic Development and Innovation at Les 7 Doigts and co-chair of E-AI, adds, “In our conversations within the creative industries, we don’t focus on the dangers of AI. We focus on the opportunities. We’re fascinated by what AI can do and eager to embrace these tools in a responsible and innovative way.”

Conclusion

E-AI 2025 promises to be an unforgettable event, blending technology and humanity in a way that encourages thoughtful exploration of AI’s role in creative expression. It is an invitation to artists, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs to reimagine the future of creativity in the age of AI—ensuring that, while technology continues to evolve, the human spirit of creation remains at the heart of it all.

For more information and tickets: HERE

LENA GHIO   

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