The 55th edition of the Festival du nouveau cinéma ended on Sunday, October 18, after 11 days of screenings, evenings and film events. This year, the festival posted an increase in box office receipts of more than 26% compared to last year. With more than 25 sold-out sessions, this 55th edition is among the most successful in the history of the festival, once again confirming the public’s enthusiasm for exploring its varied programming.
An ever more diverse cinematographic representationAlways happy to offer a plurality of perspectives and to stimulate discussions, the festival screened nearly 200 works from more than 30 countries. From 15 to 83 years old, the filmmakers in this edition demonstrate a creative freedom that knows no age and is passed down from generation to generation. This year also marks the inauguration of Queer Louve, the first iteration of Queer Palm outside France, highlighting cinema offering LGBTQIA+ themes, feminist perspectives or questioning gender norms. Finally, Quebec cinema remained in the spotlight during this edition, with, among others, two Quebec films presented at the opening and closing of the festival, namely VIOLENCE DU CORPS DE L’AUTRE by Denis Côté and L’AUTRE by Alexandre Franchi.
Highlights for festival-goersAmong the highlights of this edition, the presentation of the Honorary Louve to filmmaker Atom Egoyan by the co-founder of the festival, Claude Chamberlan, followed by a lively discussion on all of the filmmaker’s work. The public was also able to hear multidisciplinary artist Ali Cherri discuss his approach and his inspirations during two evenings presented in collaboration with MOMENTA. Adrienne Barbeau, emblematic figure of genre cinema, was also there to present two of her collaborations with filmmaker John Carpenter (Escape from New York and The Fog) as well as Oddities by Tyler Savage. Denis Côté, for his part, engaged in a discussion on his work and his journey at the festival on the sidelines of the launch of the book The Cinema of Denis Côté – Topography of the Margins, published by the magazine 24 images.
This edition also offered its share of thematic events and party evenings. To celebrate the world premiere of the film Totality, the Dorothy Project took control of the Agora du Cœur des sciences for a grand cosmic evening combining sound and visual experiences. Festival-goers were also able to take part in a film-knitting session during a special screening of the animated anthology Animatrix followed by the Big Matrix Night during which the four films from the THE MATRIX franchise were screened. For the youngest, the Grande Kermesse des P’tits Loups was back, offering families a full morning and afternoon of cinema and activities with thaumatrope and folioscope workshops by L’OEIL CINÉMA as well as screenings of short films.
About the Festival du nouveau cinéma (FNC)Founded in 1971, the Festival du nouveau cinéma (FNC) is an international film festival, established as one of the most important in North America and an unmissable event for contemporary cinema. For 55 years, he has presented nearly 200 works from around the world every fall in Montreal, providing a showcase for emerging voices as well as today’s greatest filmmakers.
In 2026, the FNC became a festival officially accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), joining the small select circle of festivals recognized for their contribution to the influence of world cinema and the development of the industry. Faithful to its mission of discovery, innovation and artistic excellence, each year the FNC brings together creators, industry professionals and audiences around the works that shape the cinema of tomorrow.
The FNC is presented by Quebecor and benefits from the financial support of the Government of Quebec, SODEC, the General Delegation of Quebec in Paris, Telefilm Canada, Tourisme Montreal, the Canada Arts Council, the Conseil des arts de Montréal, the Consulate General of France in Quebec, in collaboration with Eurimages, as well as with the financial participation of the Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity and the support of the City of Montreal as part of the Festivals and Major Events Fund.
The Canada Council for the Arts has a mandate to encourage and promote the study and dissemination of the arts, as well as the production of works of art. Through its grants, services, prizes, initiatives and payments, the Arts Council contributes to the dynamism of a diverse artistic and literary scene. These activities generate significant cultural, social and economic benefits in more than 2,000 communities in all regions of the country and abroad. The Council’s investments and leadership promote public participation in the arts from one end of the country to the other, while contributing to the recognition of Canadian artists and artistic organizations abroad. The Consulate General of France in Quebec pilots and manages the relationship between France and Quebec, firstly the rich political and economic exchanges and, more broadly, a constant dialogue between leaders and civil societies on contemporary issues. Through its cultural action, the Consulate General of France in Quebec advises, designs, develops and promotes Franco-Quebec artistic and cultural projects, particularly related to youth, digital technology and innovation.
The Festival also thanks its private partners, friends of the festival, as well as official suppliers and all distributors for their support.