Ciné Club Series: 'Bergers' by Sophie Deraspe

Thursday, March 20, 2025 From 6:00 PM To 8:30 PM Add to Calendar 2025-03-20 18:00:00 2025-03-20 20:30:00 Ciné Club Series: 'Bergers' by Sophie Deraspe Join us for a special screening of 'Bergers' by Sophie Deraspe, presented by French Library President and passionate cinephile Barbara Bouquegneau, in partnership with the Quebec Government Office in Boston. French Library, 53 Marlborough Street, Boston, MA, United States America/New_York

At French Library

Join us for a special screening of Shepherds (Bergers), the latest feature film by acclaimed director Sophie Deraspe, winner of the Best Canadian Film award at TIFF 2024. Adapted from Mathyas Lefebure’s semi-autobiographical novel D’où viens-tu, berger?, this poignant drama follows a man’s radical life transformation as he trades in his fast-paced career in Montreal for the solitude and challenges of shepherding in the South of France.

After burning out in his job as an advertising executive, Mathyas (Félix-Antoine Duval) leaves city life behind to become a shepherd in Provence. But his romanticized vision of pastoral life is quickly tested by its harsh realities. When Élise (Solène Rigot), a civil servant who abruptly quits her job, joins him, the two embark on a life-changing journey through the rugged mountains, learning the ancient tradition of transhumance—herding sheep across the landscape with the changing seasons. A deeply immersive and visually stunning film, Shepherds is a reflection on resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of an alternative way of life in an ever-modernizing world.

Praised for its breathtaking cinematography and deeply human storytelling, Shepherds premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Best Canadian Film award.

The evening will include a reception where guests can connect and share their thoughts over a celebratory glass of wine.

Movie in French with English subtitles. The Q&A that will follow the screening will be in French and English.

Members

$14

Non-members

$18

About Sophie Deraspe

Sophie Deraspe is an acclaimed Canadian filmmaker known for her distinctive, reality-based storytelling. She made her directorial debut with Rechercher Victor Pellerin (2006) and gained international recognition with Les Signes Vitaux(2009), which won over 15 awards worldwide. Her 2019 adaptation of Antigone was a major success, winning Best Motion Picture at the Canadian Screen Awards and representing Canada at the Oscars. She has also directed acclaimed TV series, including Bête noire (2021) and Motel Paradis (2022). Her latest feature film, Bergers (Shepherds), continues her exploration of deeply human narratives and will be followed by her upcoming series Ravages (2025).

About Barbara Bouquegneau

Barbara Bouquegneau holds a Master of Science in Film Production from Boston University. Over the years, she has been curating the French Library’s cinema program, bringing a thoughtful selection of French films to local audiences and fostering discussions around contemporary and classic French cinema.

Our Partner

This event is co-presented with the Quebec Delegation in Boston

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