Directed by Matthew Rankin

Logline: Only the electrifying courage and love of Québec nationalism can save Winnipeg from itself.

Synopsis: November, 1976. As Québec strides boldly towards independence, a supernatural vision of tragedy inspires a deaf-mute Québécoise Catholic nun to save the city of Winnipeg from committing mass suicide. Arriving just in time to find Winnipeg's polio-stricken mayor leading the citizens into self-destructive hysteria, the Holy Sister must prepare the way to salvation by filling the city's troubled heart with the radiant electricity of Québec sovereigntist leader, René Lévesque.

Mixing historical iconographies with abstract surrealism, Hydro-Lévesque is a message of incandescent Québec nationalist love, wafting across Winnipeg's denigrated icefields in smoke. Winner of the 2008 Special Jury Prize at the WNDX Festival of Film & Video Art and Festival De Cinéma Des Trois Amériques, Hydro-Lévesque's startling formalism was created by manipulating the celluloid emulsion with Berg toners, Javex bleach, spray paint, a hole-puncher, burning cigarettes and human urine.

Distribution Contact: WFG

More Details

RUNTIME: 16 Minutes
GENRE: Experimental
PRODUCTION FORMAT: 16mm, Found Footage
LANGUAGE: English, French
LOCATION: Manitoba
TECHNIQUES: Hand Process (b&w), Hand Process (col)
KEYWORDS: Winnipeg, Quebec, Nationalism, Industry, Humanity, Humor, Surreal, Catholic