Statement by Carolle Brabant following the international premiere of the documentary At Night, They Dance at Cannes

Montreal, May 18, 2011 – The documentary At Night, They Dance, by directors Isabelle Lavigne and Stéphane Thibault, made its international premiere in front of a packed house today, as part of the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes.

“We have grown accustomed to powerful and vibrant documentaries from this director duo. At Night, They Dance belongs to this same line of films that resonate with audiences and that are exceptionally relevant. It therefore comes as no surprise that this film took home the Special Jury Award at Hot Docs last month. I am convinced that it has also left its mark on filmgoers at the Fortnight,” said Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm.

Benjamin Mirguet, programmer of the Directors’ Fortnight and who had the opportunity to see the documentary during a screening organized by Telefilm this past March in Montreal, added: “This film not only depicts the nighttime when these women dance, but also explores their hopes, dreams, fears and desires. The directors capture life’s moments, scenes of dazzling light, colours, bodies in motion, transmission, resistance.”

As the 64th edition of the Cannes Festival is paying tribute to Egyptian cinema, the screening of this film has added relevance. Shot in Cairo, Egypt, At Night, They Dance takes us into the heart of a clan of women who have passed down the art of dancing from mother to daughter since time immemorial. The film takes an unsentimental yet lyrical look at a hidden world full of surprise and fascination.

About Telefilm Canada
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian productions that appeal to domestic and international audiences. Telefilm also administers the Canada Media Fund’s programs. Visit www.telefilm.ca.

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