At the recent Gala Québec Cinéma, the absurd tragicomedy “Une langue universelle,” directed by Matthew Rankin, garnered significant recognition. The film won a total of eight Iris Awards, including the prestigious Best Film award.
Unprecedented Success for “Une langue universelle”
Following its triumph at the Gala Artisans, where it picked up three additional awards, “Une langue universelle” has become the most awarded film of this season. The movie, filmed in Manitoba and Quebec, features a unique narrative set in an alternative Canada where Farsi and French are the official languages.
Plot Overview
The story follows two little girls on a quest to extract a banknote trapped in a block of ice, while also depicting a discontent bureaucrat—played by Rankin—who leaves Quebec to return to Winnipeg, his hometown. This film marks Matthew Rankin’s second feature film.
Acknowledgments and Awards
- Best Film: “Une langue universelle”
- Best Direction: Matthew Rankin
- Best Screenplay: Matthew Rankin, Pirouz Nemati, Ila Firouzabadi
- Best Supporting Actors: Mani Soleymanlou, Danielle Fichaud
- Best Actress: Karine Gonthier-Hyndman (for her role in “Deux femmes en or”)
- Best Actor: Patrick Hivon (for “Amour apocalypse”)
- Breakthrough Performer: Marguerite Laurence
- Best Documentary: “Intercepted” by Oksana Karpovych
Soleymanlou expressed his admiration for Rankin, highlighting the emotional depth of the film. He emphasized the opportunity to reconnect with his mother tongue through this project.
Special Mentions and Cultural Impact
One of the ceremony’s touching moments occurred when Karine Gonthier-Hyndman was announced as the Best Actress winner while she was in labor, highlighting the balancing act between career and motherhood. Additionally, Gala honored Léa Pool with a Tribute Award, recognizing her pivotal contributions to Quebec cinema.
The evening also saw “Cyclone de Noël” receive the Michel-Côté Award for its commercial success, attracting 39% of public votes. The event celebrated both established talents and fresh faces, underscoring Quebec cinema’s vibrant future and its commitment to storytelling.
The Next Generation of Filmmakers
Marguerite Laurence, the 12-year-old actress who won the Breakthrough Performer award, urged filmmakers to continue creating films for and with youth. Her heartfelt speech underscored the importance of youth perspectives in cinema.
In summary, “Une langue universelle’s” remarkable performance at the Gala Québec Cinéma exemplifies the vibrant talent within Quebec’s film industry and highlights the evolving narratives that resonate with today’s audiences.
