Presented by Telefilm Canada and the Government of Quebec, REGARD – The Saguenay International Short Film Festival, home to the country’s only short film market, is getting ready to welcome 400 guests from March 20 to 22. The Festival will feature around 15 events, most of which are open to the public and free of charge.

Master classes with seasoned technicians, panel discussions with industry experts, and intimate one-on-one sessions with experienced filmmakers – activities designed to foster meaningful connections and provide insight into cinema’s many professions.

In addition to showcasing new talent, the REGARD Festival team is inaugurating a brand-new space for most of its professional activities: Le Pigeonnier (416 Rue Racine Est, Chicoutimi), located above Café Cambio.

Behind the scenes 

Film buffs eager to expand their knowledge of cinema will be delighted by a rich lineup of free activities. On Thursday, March 20, at 1pm, festival-goers are invited to a one-on-one conversation with director Philippe Lesage (Comme le feu, Les Démons, Genèse) to learn more about his career. Hosted by Guillaume Lafleur, this discussion is presented by Vital Distribution. Then, on Saturday, March 22, at 10am, host Marilyn Castonguay, and director Caroline Monnet will take the stage for Premiers émois, presented by the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi. Through film excerpts projected on a big screen, the two artists will share the cinematic works that have left a lasting impression on them.

To get a better understanding of various industry professions, three activities will be offered to film enthusiasts and aspiring filmmakers. On Thursday, March 20 at 3.30pm, Naviguer la distribution will demystify the complex world of film distribution. Case studies will be presented with insights from several experienced Quebec distributors. Then, on Friday, March 21 at 10am, Yvon Jardel will present Rodeo Fx : au service de la création, and reveal the creative process behind the special effects used in House of the Dragon and other productions. Finally, on Saturday, March 22 at 1.30pm, the Master Class: Kinélux, presented by Saint-Fortunat Films, will teach the art of mounting a camera on a vehicle. Held at a Chicoutimi car dealership, this class will be led by Martin Lamarche, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the field.

The public is also invited to Festivals & Politics on Friday, March 21, at 2pm. This discussion will bring together festival programmers from diverse backgrounds as REGARD examines the political influence of film festivals, the challenges they face in different geopolitical contexts, and the limitations on their freedom of action.

Moderated by Marlene Edoyan (RIDM, Montreal), the panel will feature Jenn Brown (St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival, Newfoundland), Agustín Masaedo (BAFICI, Argentina), Yannis Sakaridis (DRAMA ISFF, Greece), and Nicolas Khabbaz (Beirut ISFF, Lebanon).

Back for a second year! Test your film knowledge at the Quiz du Marché, presented by L’Inis. In collaboration with the quiz masters at Quiz Tonic and featuring an exciting new format, this lively night of cinematic trivia will challenge your expertise in Quebec and international cinema. Join us at REBAR, our new festival headquarters bar, on Thursday, March 20, at 11pm.

"We try to offer activities for all interests, to open windows on the worlds, ideas and issues that shape today's film scene." - Mireille Tremblay-Caron, Short Film Market Director

A coveted pro appointment

Film industry professionals attending the REGARD Festival will have numerous opportunities to network through scheduled activities accessible with professional accreditation. This is a unique chance to meet filmmakers, distributors, producers, buyers, programmers, screenwriters, and technicians involved in the festival films. To kick off this 21st edition of our short film market, professionals are invited to the event À la rencontre de nos cinéastes, taking place on Thursday, March 20, at 10am (by invitation only). Each filmmaker whose short film is eligible for the Canadian Grand Prize, accompanied by their distribution or production company, will have the opportunity to engage with international programmers and buyers who have previously screened their film.

The classic Petits Déjeuners Pros are back in a new format on Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22 at 10am. The Pain Sandwich Pro, presented by the Bureau du Cinéma de Saguenay and Films Laurentides, and the Pâté à Viande Pro will offer participants the opportunity to network while discovering local Saguenay dishes. Reservations required. Two additional activities are scheduled for accredited professionals. On Friday, March 21 at 10am, the workshop Rencontre avec le Bureau de l’écran autochtone , presented by the Canada Media Fund and Warner Bros. Discovery, will provide insights into the programs and protocols available for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis screen-based content creators in Canada. Additionally, on Thursday, March 20 at 10am, the workshop Atelier sur les bases du journalisme et de la critique will be offered. This event, hosted by Davide Abbatescianni (Cineuropa, The European Animation Journal), will cover the fundamentals of film journalism and criticism.

Some Marché du court activities will be presented in English. Interpreters will be on hand to provide simultaneous translation via headsets. 

In all, more than 30 international guests will be in Saguenay for the festival, representing countries such as Cameroon, Argentina, Finland, Italy, Uruguay, Greece, Lebanon, the Czech Republic and Germany.

SODEC's presence 

In anticipation of the upcoming submission period for the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), Aide à la création émergente program, screenwriters and producers are invited on Saturday, March 22, starting at 1pm, to La Pulperie in Chicoutimi for the event Maillage SODEC: Les Grands Jardins! (Registration required). At the same time, the Cours écrire ton court – youth edition, screenwriting competition, organized by SODEC in collaboration with several partners, will hold its official awards ceremony on Saturday, March 22, in a 5 à 7 format at the Festival HQ. This event is free and open to everyone.

Ticket Office

Public activities at the Festival short film market are free and open to all. For film industry pros wishing to attend the 21st edition of Festival REGARD's Marché du court, professional accreditations are now available for purchase on the event’s website for $125. These accreditations grant access to exclusive networking activities reserved for professionals, the opportunity to be listed as an invited guest, receive the Marché du court newsletters, and enjoy surprise invitations.