Opale Films, Entract Films and Christal Films are proud to announce that VILLENEUVE: THE RISE OF A LEGEND will be presented as part of two essential events for Quebec cinema this fall. The film will open the 45th International Cinema Festival in Abitibi-Témiscamingue on Saturday, October 31 at the Théâtre du copper in Rouyn-Noranda, before being presented during the Gala evening of the 32nd edition of the CINEMANIA Film Festival on Monday, November 9 at the Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts in Montreal. VILLENEUVE: THE RISE OF A LEGEND will be released on November 11.
This double selection, which is added to the presentation of the film at the Closing Gala of the Toronto International Film Festival on September 19, demonstrates the keen interest aroused by the film.
VILLENEUVE: THE RISE OF A LEGEND delves into the heart of the extraordinary destiny of Gilles Villeneuve, whose courage, talent and passion made him a legend of motorsport and a significant figure in the history of Quebec. More than a racing story, the film paints the portrait of a larger-than-life personality, whose legacy continues to shine more than forty years after his death. On the occasion of this announcement, a brand new visual of the film is revealed, an evocative image which reflects the determination and exceptional character of the man who marked the history of motor racing.
VILLENEUVE: THE RISE OF A LEGEND stars Rémi Goulet in the title role of the late racing driver, while Rosalie Bonenfant plays Joann Villeneuve alongside a cast including Patrice Robitaille, Anick Lemay, Luc Picard, Fabien Cloutier, Hubert Proulx and Étienne Galloy. Directed by Yan Lanouette Turgeon from a screenplay by Daniel Roby and Guillaume Lonergan, VILLENEUVE: THE RISE OF A LEGEND is produced by Christian Larouche, surrounded by Marc Côté as co-producer, Christian Simoneau, Melanie Villeneuve and Fabrice Barillet as executive producers, while Tim Ringuette acts as associate producer.VILLENEUVE: THE RISE OF A LEGEND is produced by Christal Films, thanks to the financial support of SODEC, Telefilm Canada, provincial tax credits and federal, from Radio-Canada, with the collaboration of Crave and the Quebecor Fund. The film is presented by Ford, in collaboration with BRP, Tourisme Montréal, Parc Jean-Drapeau, Coca-Cola, Canadian Tire, Grandé Studios, Real By Fake and Tourisme Lanaudière. Distributed by Les Films Opale and Entract Films, VILLENEUVE: THE RISE OF A LEGEND will be released on November 11. International sales are handled by Le Pacte.
The film will be presented at the opening of the 45th International Cinema Festival in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, on October 31 at the Théâtre du Cuivre in Rouyn-Noranda. Tickets will go on sale on September 11, from noon.
This screening is presented in collaboration with the CINEMANIA Film Festival. The film will be screened at CINEMANIA during the Gala evening of the 32nd edition on Monday, November 9 at the Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts in Montreal.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CINEMA FESTIVAL IN ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUEThe International Cinema Festival in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (FCIAT) is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in Quebec. For more than 45 years, it has been showcasing the best of Quebec, Canadian and international cinema by offering a daring program that attracts film buffs, artists and industry professionals to Rouyn-Noranda every year. Recognized for the quality of its selection, the excellence of its welcome and the exceptional proximity it fosters between the public and the creators, the event has established itself as an unmissable event on the Quebec cultural calendar. In addition to screenings, the Festival offers a program of activities promoting exchanges, discoveries and the development of the cinematographic sector. The 45th edition of the Festival will take place from October 31 to November 5, 2026, preceded by Espace Court on October 29 and 30, 2026.