Documentary tells story of francophone history

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This article was published 04/06/2018 (2731 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A new documentary that depicts the compelling story of Manitoba’s francophone and Métis community will soon be launched.

Entreprises Riel, through its tourism division Tourisme Riel, has announced the launch of the documentary, which is titled At the Heart of Manitoba’s Francophone Community and is produced by Winnipeg-based Productions Rivard.

According to a news release, the purpose of the film, which is produced in French and English, is to enlighten people about the history, attractions, diversity and vitality of Manitoba’s francophone community.

The 40-minute documentary will be shown daily at Tourisme Riel’s visitor information centre (219 Provencher Blvd.), and there will also be free public viewings on June 21 at Centre culturel franco-manitobain (340 Provencher Blvd.) at 6 and 8 p.m. in French, and at 7 and 9 p.m. in English; and on June 22 on the second floor of Maison du Bourgeois at Fort Gibraltar (866 St. Joseph St.) in French only at 5, 6, and 7 p.m.

Michelle Gervais, Tourisme Riel’s director, said the documentary was commissioned as part of a greater tourism initiative seeking to develop new tourism products and services, increase visitation, and extend the length of visitor stays in the province. The film also coincides with the launch of a new brand for St. Boniface titled Passion & Histoire – Saint-Boniface, which has been governed by 11 strategic directions.

“The film has two mandates, which are to explain more about the francophone community, and by doing so, encourage visitors to want to discover it more,” Gervais said.

“Also, some of the newer francophone generation don’t know the story of Manitoba’s francophone history, so we’re hoping this will bring a new appreciation for some of the struggles some of the francophone community once faced, and help educate about who we are and create a sense of pride.”

Noting the growth of demand for French immersion and French language programs in Manitoba schools, Norm Gousseau, Entreprises Riel’s chief executive officer, said “there are very positive things happening now in terms of the French language.”

“Today, there is a lot of value and importance in the francophone community of tourism and economic development, so we recognize this is a huge opportunity not only for the francophone community in Winnipeg, but in Manitoba as a whole,” he added.

Gousseau pointed to the fact that Manitoba’s French heritage is deep-rooted and has greatly influenced the development of the province and the nation, dating back to French explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, Sieur de La Véredrye’s first visit to the Red River in 1738 to the vibrant francophone communities located across the province today.

At a recent press conference, it was that CCFM’s annual francophone celebration event, La Saint-Jean-Baptiste, will take place on June 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fort Gibraltar, when several activities for all ages will take place throughout the day, organized in partnership with Pluri-elles, which include a small train that will operate rides around the park.  

Festival du Voyageur will also be offering free admission to Fort Gibraltar to schools that take part in La Saint-Jean-Baptiste activities.

That event will also be part of a bigger party called Saint-Boniface Célèbre, which is organized by Productions Rivard and will run into the evening.  

Tout Pour La Musique, which will be held at Whittier Park, will feature a number of musical acts and run from 5 to 10:30 p.m.

“It’s a great occasion to be with your family and friends to celebrate French-Canadian culture and language,” said Ginette Lavack, CCFM’s CEO, in a news release.

Gervais said the collaboration between the numerous partners is a collective effort that will benefit everyone in the community.

“Of course, there’s Festival du Voyageur in the winter, but many Manitobans are also looking for a summer festival,” Gervais said.

“This is a way of regrouping everyone to one site, and it’s one of the best partnerships we’ve seen in the community. The goal is to really push this to become an annual summer event.”

Go online at ccfm.mb.ca for more information.