James Bay 1975: The Shock of Two Nations

This film takes us back to the origins of two major revolutions: the rapid expansion of Hydro-Québec with the construction of the La Grande complex, and the awakening of the Indigenous nations of Northern Quebec. 

SYNOPSIS

James Bay 1975 : The Shock of Two Nations takes us back to the origins of two major revolutions: the rapid expansion of Hydro-Québec with the construction of the La Grande complex, and the awakening of the Indigenous nations of Northern Quebec. A clash of civilizations where two worldviews collide. Quebec dreams of taking control of its destiny by becoming an energy giant on the continent. Meanwhile, in the North, a new generation of young Cree and Inuit rise up to protect what they hold most dear: their land and their culture. Leaders and witnesses share their stories in this political thriller, which culminates in the signing of the James Bay Agreement in 1975.

Theme(s): , Colonialism, Democracy, Environnement, First nations, Politics

DETAILS

Director | , Mathieu Fournier, Melanie Lameboy, Myriam Berthelet
Year | , 2025
Country | , Québec
Duration | 96 minutes
Original language | , English, French
Subtitles | , French
Image | Maxime Pilon-Lalande, Van Royko
Sound | Jesse Dubé-Smith
Sound design | Francis Renaud-Legault
Sound mixing | Jean-Philippe Goyette
Music | Jean-Olivier Bégin
Editing | Martin Gagnon
Production | Catherine Bainbridge, Ernest Webb, Karine Dubois, Marie-Pierre Corriveau
Distribution | Cindy Labranche

DIRECTOR

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Mathieu Fournier

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A media veteran for twenty years, screenwriter and director Mathieu Fournier focuses on lives shaped by historical events. His feature documentary In the Shadow of the Star Wars Kid, exploring cyberbullying, earned international acclaim. He frequently collaborates on the development and creation of numerous documentary films and series.

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Mélanie Lameboy

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An Eeyou filmmaker from Chisasibi, Mélanie Lameboy directs and scripts socially conscious documentaries. Following three internationally screened films with Wapikoni, she collaborated with Rezolution Pictures (Red Fever) and Andicha Media (Chuck and the First People’s Kitchen). She uses cinema to raise awareness for causes close to her heart.

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Myriam Berthelet

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Documentary director and screenwriter Myriam Berthelet explores the human experience with sensitivity. Her work includes De Garde 24/7, The Life-Sized City, and the podcast Projet Polytechnique. Her latest film, AI: The Blind Spot, examines gender bias. She is driven by a passion for life stories and civic engagement.

CAREER

Mention spéciale du jury documentaire CINEMANIA · Vues sur mer · Festival cinéma du monde de Sherbrooke · Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma · Nomination Prix Écrans Canadiens Meilleure long métrage documentaire

UPCOMING SCREENINGS

SCREENING 1

7 August 2026 pm31 20h30

Centre de la nature