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Image+Nation 2018: Sauvage
Le festival international de films LGBTQ de Montréal, Image+Nation, va encore plus loin pour sa 31e édition, du 22 novembre au 2 décembre 2018. On s’attend à une semaine surprenante et à des films de qualité. D’année en année, les cinéphiles montréalais avides d’une meilleure représentation LGBTQ se donnent rendez-vous au festival qui ne cesse de grandir. Pour constater moi-même l’engouement autour d’Image+Nation, j’ai décidé d’assister à quatre de leurs soirées. J’écrirai donc, au courant de la semaine, quatre critiques de leurs films (ils en présentent 40 en tout) : deux en anglais, deux en français, selon la langue des films choisis, à l’image de l’aspect bilingue et international de l’événement.
Rendez-vous (un peu) manqué pour Sauvage, samedi 24 novembre à l’Impérial
Plutôt que de commencer ma série d’articles avec le très couru film d’ouverture, Plaire, aimer et courir vite, j’ai opté pour la projection de Sauvage, film français, le dernier de la soirée, samedi, à l’impérial. Il s’agit du premier long-métrage de Camille Vidal-Naquet, avec Félix Maritaud dans le rôle principal. On avait découvert l’acteur avec son rôle de Max dans 120 battements par minute l’an dernier, qui avait eu un succès monstre, remportant notamment le Grand Prix à Cannes et le César du meilleur film. On s’attendait donc à un retour prometteur pour Maritaud, qui incarne cette fois Léo, un prostitué de 22 ans, errant, torturé, courant les rues d’une grande ville française aux prises avec des problèmes de santé, de drogues et d’argent.
En effet, l’engouement était là. La salle était pleine à craquer. Le film s’est même généreusement fait applaudir et a reçu de vives réactions, toutes positives, principalement lors de ses quelques scènes où l’intimité frôlait l’absurde. On en devenait parfois déstabilisé. Bon coup, alors, pour Vidal-Naquet qui porte à l’écran le quotidien d’un jeune travailleur du sexe.
Toutefois, pour ceux qui s’attendaient à voir un film original ou réellement représentatif des réalités du milieu, le rendez-vous a été manqué.
«Il ne s’agit pas d’une étude sociologique […] Le réalisateur s’est permis certaines libertés», a d’ailleurs dit Maritaud, monté sur scène à la fin de la soirée, spécialement venu de Paris. Même s’il affirmait aussi que le réalisateur s’était inspiré de réelles histoires d’hommes et de femmes travaillant au tristement célèbre Bois-de-Boulogne, on n’y croyait pas vraiment.
«Si Irène me voyait», a dit un client sexagénaire au garçon «sauvage»… Encore la même histoire. Puis, bien-sûr, des clients arabes à la sexualité refoulée, très exigeants et dominants, refusant de payer pour leurs services. Léo est ensuite tombé amoureux d’un autre homme, lui aussi prostitué, mais hétérosexuel, servant également les clichés, non-seulement de l’amour impossible chez les jeunes gais, mais aussi des «sugar daddies». Ce dernier finit en effet par quitter celui qui l’aimait pour suivre un vieillard richissime en Espagne... «Trouves toi un vieux, c’est ce qui peut nous arriver de mieux», finit-il par lui dire. Il en va de même pour les scènes de fêtes à la discothèque ou lors des discutions entre les travailleurs du sexe, on a l’impression de déjà vu, dans d’autres films, tous un peu déconnectés de la réalité.
L’amalgame de clichés représentés dans Sauvage ont nui à la proposition du film, et semblaient plutôt servir une version fantasmée du monde de la prostitution masculine.
Malgré ses dénouements prévisibles et parfois durs à suivre (le protagoniste s’emmêle dans quatre histoires en même temps), Sauvage finit quand même par plaire. Le film fait preuve d’une photographie bien maîtrisée. Les images et les couleurs reflètent efficacement l’esprit troublé du personnage, brillamment joué par Maritaud.
Si Camille Vidal-Niquet avait traité de son sujet différemment, j’aurais assurément préféré son film qui, tout de même, débute joliment sa carrière de cinéaste.
Le court-métrage présenté juste avant, Wren boys, de Harry Lighton, mériterait aussi d’être salué. Représentant avec justesse, en 10 minutes qu’on ne voit pas passer, le mariage entre un prisonnier et un civil, il a su être drôle et touchant, là où on ne s’y attendait pas. Il mérite clairement sa nomination aux BAFTA.
Restez à l’affût, mes prochains articles concerneront Queerement Québec, lundi le 26, Postcards from London, jeudi 29, puis Mapplethorpe, vendredi le 30.
Olivier Du Ruisseau hosts Friday Franco Show which airs Friday at 1:00 p.m
ALLOWANCE INCREASE, POLICE BRUTALITY IN THUNDER BAY, PARIS RIOTS
Hosted by Erdene Batzorig
Stories by Erdene Batzorig
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LOCAL
Maybe it’s the holiday spirit, or maybe it’s the CAQ government’s way of attracting good press, but Finance Minister Éric Girard is set to announce a new plan to strengthen Quebec’s family allowance on Monday.
According to the Montreal Gazette, the increase will phased in over four years.
The allowance will allow the second and third-born child to receive the same allowance as the first born. This change was one of the major promises of the CAQ’s campaign.
The update is also expected to include fiscal measures to help seniors and the daycare system.
NATIONAL
A Thunder Bay police officer was captured on video slapping and screaming at an Indigenous teen girl while she was strapped down in a gurney.
In the 21-second video, the officer can be heard telling the girl not to resist, and that they’re only taking her to the hospital.
According to APTN News, the paramedics were called to a party at 6pm for a medical emergency.
In a press release by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said, “We are outraged by the actions of the officer depicted in this video. We do not know all of the details that led to this incident, but there is simply no justification for such violent and callous treatment of a youth in a defenseless position.”
The NAN press release also mentioned the Thunder Bay police are investigating the incident.
INTERNATIONAL
Charred cars, broken glasses and graffiti engulfed the city of Paris on Saturday as demonstrators protested against tax raises for the third weekend in a row.
Rabah Mendez, a protester who participated in the demonstration said, ”It's difficult to reach the end of the month. People work and pay a lot of taxes and we are fed up.”
According to the Associated Press, the grassroots protest began on November 17th with motorists marching against the fuel tax hike but it grew to include the larger Parisian population protesting against the high living costs and taxes.
The riot has resulted in approximately 133 injuries, and hundreds of arrests.
But for now, it remains unknown whether or not the French government will take the demands of the ordinary people to heart.
STM Ridership, Fed Support for Francophones, Blue Energy
Hosted by Luca Caruso-Moro
Stories by Luca Caruso-Moro
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LOCAL
More people are riding the metro than ever.
The CBC reports ridership hit 1 million passengers multiple times in October.
The STM has promised an increase in spending on bus and metro services, and STM Chair Philippe Schnobb told the CBC that a new line may be necessary.
NATIONAL
FRANÇOIS LEGAULT “In Quebec I have the responsibility of giving services to anglophones. We have three anglophone universities, we have a large hospital, McGill hospital, specially for for anglophones. I would have liked to have a francophone University in Ontario”
That’s Premier Legault reacting to Doug Ford’s decision to cut funding for french language education in Ontario.
DOUG FORD “WE have 300 courses that are not being filled, french language courses. It’s totally irresponsible from the previous government. If anyone has a complaint, they should call Kathleen Wynne’s office.”
Now Trudeau is stepping in.
He’ll meet with leaders of the 3 opposition parties to discuss ways to support francophones and the french language across Canada.
INTERNATIONAL
MIKE SONKO “It is my pleasure to join you for this important conference that seeks to explore the social and economic potential of our oceans, lakes, rivers, and all water bodies.”
That’s Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, greeting Canada and 150 other countries at a conference in Nairobi this week.
World leaders discussed the potential of harnessing bodies of water as a source of sustainable energy.
ANTI-CALECHE PROTEST, OVERDOSE CRISIS, CLIMATE CHANGE DEMONSTRATION
Hosted by Erdene Batzorig
Stories by Erdene Batzorig
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LOCAL
Caleche drivers and anti-caleche protesters clashed during a Saturday morning memorial event held for four horses that died on the streets of Montreal.
According to CTV News, the protesters were met with angry rebuttal from caleche drivers who says there is no animal cruelty happening in the industry.
The city of Montreal announced the horse-drawn carriage will be banned by the end of 2019. But anti-caleche protesters want the city to fastback that date.
NATIONAL
An Indigenous community in Alberta has issued a public warning concerning the rampant surge of overdoses.
The Blood Tribe community in southern Alberta has had 22 overdoses in a span of 48-hours. The recent spike is believed to be caused by carfentanil, a drug that is roughly 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
Kyle Melting Tallow, chief of the Blood Tribe Police Service told CTV NEWS that officers have been working around the clock and coming in on their days off to help out with the cause.
The Blood Tribe is asking for help from the provincial and federal governments, and are hoping to open up a safe consumption area and a withdrawal management site in the near future.
INTERNATIONAL
Activists gathered in a huge demonstration on Saturday morning in London to protest the government's inaction towards climate change.
According to the Evening Standard, more than 1,000 activists blocked roads around Parliament Square as they marched with a coffin that they said represented the future of life on the planet.
Extinction Rebellion, the group that staged the demonstration said the purpose of the event was to draw government’s attention to pollution and climate change.
H.E.R. at MTELUS, Nov 20 2018
One of the most inspiring concerts I’ve been to in a while. I Used to Know Her Tour features young artists who have multitasked attending school while pursuing their passion. They are ambitious souls who are born to entertain.
New Jersey native Tone Stith was the first artist on stage opening up for 200 plus R&B fans at MTELUS on Tuesday night. His soft falsetto voice had the crowd screaming and reaching their hands out for more. Tone Stith is fairly new in the game and got his biggest jump in the soundtrack for the latest sport comedy film Uncle Drew. Tone Stith is on the track Light Flex from the movie with 2 Chainz. After performing a few of his popular songs Tone Stith took a selfie with the crowd and told his fans they can meet him at the merch stand at the end of the show.
Up and coming Philadelphia rapper Bri Steves picked up the energy and really pumped the crowd for the main act. She performed her hit song “Jealousy” twice, which borrows a chorus from Jon B’s 1997 song “They Don’t Know.” In between songs, Bri Steves spoke to the audience about issues ranging from relationships to education. In 2017, Bri Steves walked across the stage of Temple University. She told us going to school in the day and working on music all night was one of the hardest things she’s done, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Despite being told by people close to her how unrealistic her dreams are, she proved them wrong and speaks about it on her track “Miami.”
Before marching onto the stage with a guitar in hand, H.E.R (Having Everything Revealed) shared footage of herself at 6 years old. At a young age she dreamt about the life she is living right now, composing her own music while singing her own stories. Last week, she posted to Instagram saying “I remember performing in front of 4 people, today it is 4,000 people”. Throughout the tour she continues to remain humble and thank God for His continuous blessings. H.E.R closed off the post saying “anything is possible when you are passionate!” At 21 years old and living her dreams she thanked the crowd countless times for listening to her music and supporting her. She started off her set with some newer music from I Used to Know Her: The Prelude and Part 2. Songs like: “Carried Away,” “I’m Not Okay,” “Hard Place,” “Lost Souls” and “As I Am.” When H.E.R. performed songs off of Volume 1, 2 and Volume 2 The B Sides she gained the most love from fans. As soon as the melody for songs like: “U,” “Focus,” “Lights Out,” “Options,” “Every Kind of Way,” and especially “Best Part,” fans were screaming in anticipation of what was to come. Just when concertgoers sensed the show was coming to an end the cheers got louder and louder making H.E.R. unable to speak. Those on the balcony began rumbling their feet which amplified the crowd's excitement and she decided to do one more song before exiting the stage.
I Used to Know Her Tour continues in the United States until December before she heads to Europe in March. Find all the dates here.
Krystal Christine hosts The Trend which airs Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m.
E. Coli, Military Funding, ON Child Advocate
Hosted by Luca Caruso-Moro
Stories by Luca Caruso-Moro
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LOCAL
CLIP FROM ‘EAT FOR HEALTH,’ 1954: “When it comes to green and yellow vegetables, Ralph thinks of Wendy, the prettiest girl in the class; and there are so many different kinds, there are salad vegetables like lettuce.”
Don’t eat any romaine lettuce!
Canadian health officials warn that romaine lettuce in Ontario and Quebec may carry E. Coli.
There have been 18 confirmed cases of E. Coli poisoning in Canada, six have been hospitalized.
NATIONAL
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has scrapped the provincial child advocate office from his legislature.
A group of First Nations youth have requested Trudeau’s help in bringing it back.
The group, from the 49 Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities, say Ford’s decision puts Indigenous children in the welfare system at risk.
The child advocate was mandated to provide a voice for First Nations children, who make up half of the children in foster care.
ANOTHER NATIONAL
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has scrapped the provincial child advocate office from his legislature.
A group of First Nations youth have requested Trudeau’s help in bringing it back.
The group, from the 49 Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities, says Ford’s decision puts Indigenous children in the welfare system at risk.
The child advocate was mandated to provide a voice for First Nations children, who make up half of the children in foster care.
Fucked Up at La Sala Rossa, Nov 4 2018
For a Sunday night, Montreal had many options for concert goers on Nov 4th. Metalheads seemed divided between seeing Behemoth at MTelus or Windhand at le Belmont. Personally, I was originally planning on seeing some good ol’ Quebec grindcore at l’Entre-Nous. That is, until I got word that Fucked Up would be in town, along with hardcore sound-alikes Mil-Spec.
Fucked Up is currently on their North American tour in support of their newest album, Dose Your Dreams. I’m still on the fence about whether I like it as much as the rest of their discography. There are some great songs with memorable hooks and inventive use of instrumentation. However, the punk aggression of singer Damian Abraham has less of a presence on the record. Abraham was under the impression that Fucked Up hit its creative peak with their 2014 record Glass Boys (I partially agree). But, lead guitarist Mike Haliechuk wanted to push the band in new directions, and thus wrote Dose Your Dreams himself. Vocals were mostly provided by Abraham, along with other members of the band and a few guest vocalists.
I’ve seen Fucked Up play live twice before. I wasn’t familiar with any of their songs then, yet I was nonetheless entertained by Abraham’s wild performance. He is known to smash pint glasses over his head, rip off his shirt and get in the fans’ faces. I made sure to dive deep into their discography before seeing them live for a third time at Sala Rossa. Their setlist included a few fan favourites like “David Comes to Life” and “Queen of Hearts,” but for the most part, consisted of numbers off the new record. As a result, I think the audience felt less inclined to move about and sing along. I also noticed a different energy with Abraham’s stage presence. Not wanting to steal focus from the rest of the band, Abraham would obediently crouch down during his non-singing segments.
Dose Your Dreams continues the story of the fictitious character David, as he experiences drug-induced hallucinations and holy visions. Staying true to the theme, psychedelic visualizations were projected on a screen behind the band. Samples were used for guest vocals and drum machines, as they appear in the album. As great as it was to see Fucked Up, I couldn’t help but think this was the last time I will see the Toronto six-piece in its current form. Moving forward, Abraham has admitted that he has different priorities outside the band. It’s very possible I have seen the beginning of the end of Fucked Up, as Abraham and Haliechuk take separate paths.
Haken at l'Astral, Nov 1 2018
On Thursday Nov. 1, London-based progressive metal band Haken brought their North American tour to Montreal’s l’Astral. They were joined by Norwegian band Leprous and Boston-based band Bent Knee.
A line gathered early at the venue for the sold out show. I kept my reputation of being first in line and managed to get a front row spot for the concert.
The evening started off with Bent Knee, an interesting and weird band that caught my attention. They have a unique sound that is like nothing I have heard before. With their weird antics and amazing stage presence I was instantly hooked. Their lead singer was fantastic and stood out among the rest.
Next band up was Leprous. Their sound combines elements of many genres into prog metal. They played a lot of material from their album Malina, released in Aug 2017. Their show includes a lot of captivating visuals and lights to accompany the music. Leprous’ sound is bass heavy. I’ve never heard so much bass at a metal show. It’s very entertaining to have you whole body shaken by music.
Last up was Haken, who completely blew the place out of the water with their performance. They used this tour to introduce their new album Vector. They started off their setlist with “The Good Doctor” off the new album. I’ve seen many prog metal bands over the years and Haken is on that really delivers during their live performances. Their music and performances remind me of prog legends Dream Theatre. Haken’s music is very technical and their performance is high energy. While they performed many songs of their new album, they also included fan favourites like “1985” and “Falling Back To Earth” in the setlist. The new songs sound different live than on the record. I was honestly impressed by the new songs live.
What shocked me leaving the show was how long the whole thing was. Haken’s setlist included Crystallized, a 19 minute song. However, this is usual for prog metal. Overall, the three bands put on a great show
This is definitely a concert to look out for as the band complete their North American Tour. Their next Canadian date is Nov. 21 in Vancouver at the Rickshaw Theatre.
SAQ STRIKE, FISHING INDUSTRY CRISIS, FAR-RIGHT RADICALS ATTACK.
Hosted by Erdene Batzorig
Stories by Erdene Batzorig
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LOCAL
Tensions remain high as the SAQ’s three-day strike mandate came to an end on Sunday without any results.
According to CTV News, the union is demanding for better working conditions and for their salaries to increase at the same rate as the inflation level.
In an interview Simon Desjardins, vice-president of the union said, “We’re not asking for anything too extravagant. We just don’t want to get poorer and poorer every year.”
If the SAQ crown corporation and the union does not come to an agreement, the strike could continue for two more weeks.
NATIONAL
A Musqueam Nation fisherman says climate change is taking a huge toll on the fishing industry and it’s getting worse over time.
Mike Sparrow says the fishing industry is experiencing major ups and downs due to the rapid speed the ocean are warming up.
According to APTN News, recent findings of Ocean Wise prove that the effects of climate change are causing serious damage within the ecosystem of the oceans.
INTERNATIONAL
A far-right radicals attack on a transgender rights demonstrations in Ukraine has left at least three people injured.
A group of 50 people had gathered to mark the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance when the attack happened.
Sofiia Lapina, a member of KyivPride, told Kyiv Post newspaper, "Radicals started moving towards LGBT people, so the police started to physically shove us into the metro and told everybody that the rally has ended.”
According to CBC, in a statement given by the Ukrainian police, they prevented a "provocation" during the demonstration by separating LGBT activists from far-right counter-protesters.
Medical Funding, Alleged Sexual Assault, Banned Publication
Stories by Luca Caruso-Moro
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