A highly anticipated cinematic venture is on the horizon as H264, the dynamic Montreal-based film distribution and international sales company, has secured the international rights to "La Portraitiste." This acquisition signals significant confidence in a film poised to captivate audiences worldwide with its unique blend of historical charm, personal awakening, and subtle supernatural intrigue. Marking a pivotal moment for two remarkable talents, "La Portraitiste" is the inaugural narrative feature film penned by the critically acclaimed Florence Longpré and the directorial debut in narrative features for the accomplished Annie St-Pierre. Their collaboration promises a fresh, compelling voice in contemporary cinema, offering a narrative that resonates deeply with themes of self-discovery and the extraordinary power of intuition.
Set against the vibrant, yet traditionally constrained, backdrop of Montreal in 1962, "La Portraitiste" introduces us to Françoise, a woman leading a life meticulously sculpted by external forces. Her existence is largely dictated by her husband, Germain, and rigidly sanctioned by her aunt, Agathe, reflecting the pervasive societal norms for women during that era. Françoise’s daily routine as a receptionist at the local police station offers little respite from the stifling expectations, though it does place her in proximity to her beloved cousin, Gilles, who serves as a patrol officer. It is within this seemingly mundane setting that the extraordinary begins to unfold. Unexpectedly, Françoise is asked to leverage her latent artistic skills to sketch the composite of an assailant, a request that inadvertently ignites a profound shift in her life.
This seemingly simple task becomes a powerful catalyst, rekindling a passion for drawing that Françoise had long suppressed. As her artistic inclinations re-emerge, so too does something far more profound and mysterious: the sudden revelation of her telepathic gift. Françoise’s burgeoning prophetic intuition, a sixth sense that allows her to perceive truths beyond the visible, draws her irrevocably into a complex investigation. Partnering with Sergeant Stevenson, she finds herself navigating a labyrinth of clues where long-buried family secrets begin to surface, eerily echoing the untold narratives of her own past. The film masterfully weaves these threads, suggesting that the path to understanding external mysteries often leads inward, compelling one to confront personal histories and hidden truths.
At its heart, "La Portraitiste" is a poignant exploration of liberation. Carried by a burgeoning love that intertwines with her journey of self-discovery, Françoise gradually comes to a profound realization: every quest, whether for justice or truth, inevitably leads back to oneself. Her awakening, both artistic and telepathic, becomes a metaphor for breaking free from the societal and familial shackles that have defined her. The magical realism elements are not mere fantastical flourishes but serve as a powerful lens through which Françoise’s internal world and growing empowerment are externalized, challenging the rigid realities of her 1960s environment. It’s a story designed to resonate with anyone who has ever felt confined by circumstance and yearned for a deeper connection to their authentic self.
The journey of "La Portraitiste" is set to commence production this spring, with a highly anticipated release slated for 2027. This timeline allows ample opportunity for the meticulous craftsmanship required to bring a period piece with such delicate genre blending to life, promising a visually rich and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
Guiding this ambitious project is the esteemed Roger Frappier, a towering figure in Canadian cinema, producing under the banner of his prolific company, Max Films. Frappier, whose name is synonymous with groundbreaking and critically acclaimed films, expressed immense enthusiasm for the creative synergy at play. "Working with Florence Longpré and Annie St-Pierre feels like having access to a true dream team," Frappier remarked. His words underscore the exceptional talent converging on "La Portraitiste," highlighting the distinct strengths each artist brings to the table. "Florence brings an extraordinary intelligence and a rare sensitivity to character while Annie’s vision gives the story both depth and direction. Their collaboration gives me absolute confidence that this story will resonate deeply with audiences." This glowing endorsement from a veteran producer speaks volumes about the quality and potential impact of the film.
Florence Longpré, the visionary screenwriter behind "La Portraitiste," has steadily built a formidable reputation as one of Quebec’s most versatile and insightful talents. Her career trajectory has been marked by a compelling blend of comedic brilliance and profound dramatic depth. Longpré first captured public attention with her unforgettable portrayal of Gaby Gravel in the hit series "Like-Moi!" a role that showcased her sharp wit and unique comedic timing, quickly establishing her as a beloved figure in Quebecois entertainment.
Her transition into more dramatic and complex narratives has been equally impactful. She made a strong impression with "Can You Hear Me?" (M’entends-tu?) and "Audrey’s Back" (Audrey est revenue), two critically acclaimed series that she not only starred in but also significantly contributed to as a screenwriter. These projects delved into nuanced human experiences, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and resilience with an authenticity that garnered widespread praise. Her screenwriting prowess extended to "Le temps des framboises," a series that achieved international recognition, earning accolades at prestigious events like the Berlinale and the Seoul Drama Awards, further cementing her status as a writer capable of crafting stories with universal appeal.
Most recently, 2025 saw Longpré unveil "Empathy" (Empathie), a series she both wrote and starred in, which achieved significant international acclaim. Prior to its broadcast on Canal+, "Empathy" won the coveted Audience Award at Séries Mania, one of Europe’s most prominent television festivals. The success of "Empathy" was immediate and profound, leading to a second season currently in development, a testament to her unique voice and ability to connect with diverse audiences. "La Portraitiste" marks a significant milestone in Longpré’s illustrious career, representing her first foray into the world of feature cinema. This move signifies not only an expansion of her creative canvas but also a powerful statement about her ambition and her commitment to exploring new narrative forms. Her established ability to craft complex characters and emotionally resonant stories promises a rich and layered experience for moviegoers.
Directing "La Portraitiste" is Annie St-Pierre, an artist celebrated for her keen observational eye and her profound ability to evoke deep human emotion through film. While "La Portraitiste" is her first narrative feature, St-Pierre is far from a newcomer to the director’s chair. Her directorial portfolio boasts a series of compelling documentaries, including "Fermières" and "Le plein potentiel." The latter earned a coveted selection at SXSW in 2025, a prestigious honor that underscores her talent for crafting insightful and thought-provoking non-fiction narratives. These documentary works reveal a director with a meticulous approach to storytelling, an ability to capture authentic human experience, and a nuanced understanding of visual language.
St-Pierre’s transition to narrative features is further bolstered by the immense success of her short film, "Like the Ones I Used to Know" (Les grandes claques). This poignant short premiered at the esteemed Sundance Film Festival and went on to achieve an extraordinary feat: it was shortlisted for the Academy Awards in 2021 in the live-action short film category. Such recognition from two of the most influential platforms in international cinema highlights St-Pierre’s exceptional skill in crafting compelling narratives, eliciting powerful performances, and creating visually striking worlds, even within the confines of a shorter format. Her experience in both documentary and acclaimed short films provides a unique foundation for "La Portraitiste," suggesting a directorial style that will marry authenticity with artistic vision, perfectly suited for a dramedy steeped in magical realism.
The production powerhouse behind "La Portraitiste," Max Films, led by Roger Frappier, boasts an unparalleled legacy in Canadian and international cinema. Based in Montreal, the company has been responsible for bringing to the screen some of the most iconic and influential films in Canadian history, demonstrating a consistent commitment to artistic excellence and bold storytelling. Their impressive roster of credits includes seminal works such as "Borderline," the charming "The Grand Seduction," the psychologically intense "Maelström," the internationally celebrated "Jesus of Montreal," and the enduring classic "The Decline of the American Empire." These films have not only garnered critical acclaim but have also shaped the landscape of Canadian cinema, offering diverse narratives that resonate globally.
Max Films’ expansive slate further includes the English-language remake of "The Grand Seduction," directed by Don McKellar, "Two Lovers and a Bear" by Kim Nguyen, and "Hochelaga, Land of Souls" by François Girard, showcasing their versatility across genres and directorial visions. Beyond Canadian productions, Max Films has also played a crucial role in bringing major international projects to fruition, notably Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning masterpiece, "The Power of the Dog," a testament to their global reach and reputation for backing world-class talent. Most recently, Max Films produced "Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful" by Lyne Charlebois, continuing their tradition of supporting compelling cinematic narratives. The formidable track record of Max Films and Roger Frappier provides an unparalleled foundation for "La Portraitiste," ensuring that the film is not only in exceptionally capable hands but is also positioned to join a pantheon of cinematic achievements.
With H264 securing international rights, the stage is set for "La Portraitiste" to embark on a journey that promises to extend far beyond its Montreal setting. The combined talents of Florence Longpré and Annie St-Pierre, championed by the legendary Roger Frappier and Max Films, are poised to deliver a film that is both a period-specific delight and a timeless exploration of self-discovery, intuition, and the courage to forge one’s own path. Audiences can look forward to a cinematic experience that is rich in character, visually evocative, and profoundly resonant, inviting them to witness a woman’s extraordinary awakening in a world on the cusp of change.
