You may not have noticed that your favourite movie or television show has been created by a Québécois filmmaker. Did you love the high drama and intensity of the thrillers Prisoners (2013) and Sicario (2015)? Then you’re a fan of Québec-born director Denis Villeneuve. What about the series Big Little Lies (2017-19) and Sharp Objects (2018)? They were both directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, born and raised in Montréal. The incredibly talented Montréal filmmaker and actor Xavier Dolan’s first English-language film The Death & Life of John F. Donovan premiered at TIFF in 2018.

In recognition of Vaughan Public Libraries marking five years of expanded French services, as well as the recent release of the highly anticipated Dune (2021), Villeneuve’s latest sci-fi blockbuster, I wanted to highlight these three Canadian filmmakers from Québec who have made their mark in Hollywood with their distinct visions, styles, and a dash of je ne sais quoi. Their earlier French-language work demonstrates their skill and talent and hints at the larger projects that were to come. Check them out at your local VPL bibliothèque!