'La Portraitiste': A Tale of Discovery and Intuition from Jour2Fête

A Prestigious Acquisition at Cannes

The deal for the French distribution rights to 'La Portraitiste' was successfully concluded at the Cannes Film Festival. Jour2Fête formalized the agreement with H264, an international sales company based in Montreal, signaling strong market confidence in this distinctive project.

The Creative Force Behind the Narrative

Florence Longpré, renowned for her acting and screenwriting prowess, first gained widespread recognition through her character Gaby Gravel in 'Like-Moi!' Her subsequent works, including the critically acclaimed series 'Can You Hear Me?' and 'Audrey's Back,' further solidified her reputation as a compelling storyteller and performer. Longpré's involvement extends to co-writing 'Le temps des framboises,' showcasing her versatile talent.

Longpré's Recent Successes and Critical Acclaim

In 2025, Longpré's series 'Empathy,' which she both wrote and starred in, earned the Audience Award at Séries Mania before its broadcast on Canal+. A second season of this successful production is currently in development, highlighting her continued impact in the television landscape.

Annie St-Pierre: A Director with a Vision

Annie St-Pierre, the director of 'La Portraitiste,' has an impressive portfolio that includes the documentaries 'Fermières' and 'Le plein potentiel,' with the latter being an official selection at SXSW in 2025. Her short film, 'Like the Ones I Used to Know,' premiered at Sundance and was notably shortlisted for an Academy Award in the live-action short film category in 2021.

Jour2Fête's Enthusiasm for the Project

Sarah Chazelle, president and founder of Jour2Fête, expressed immense excitement about distributing 'La Portraitiste.' She lauded Florence Longpré's work, particularly 'Empathy,' and praised St-Pierre's transition to her first fiction feature. Chazelle emphasized the thrill of collaborating with Longpré on this beautifully crafted screenplay.

H264's Optimism for French Release

Jean-Christophe J. Lamontagne, co-president of H264, shared his delight in partnering with Jour2Fête, describing them as an essential entity in France. He articulated confidence that 'La Portraitiste' would achieve a release commensurate with its potential, especially following the success of 'Empathy' in the French market.

Production Details and Visionary Producers

Currently undergoing filming in Quebec, 'La Portraitiste' is being produced by an experienced team including Roger Frappier, an Oscar nominee for Jane Campion's 'The Power of the Dog,' alongside Sylvie Lacoste and Véronika Molnar, ensuring a high-caliber production.

The Intriguing Premise of 'La Portraitiste'

Set in Montreal in 1962, 'La Portraitiste' is a period dramedy infused with elements of magical realism. The narrative centers on Françoise, a woman leading a constrained existence under the influence of her husband Germain and aunt Agathe. Working as a receptionist at a local police station, Françoise is unexpectedly tasked with creating a composite sketch of an assailant, an event that reignites her artistic passion.

The Awakening of a Telepathic Gift

This experience not only revitalizes Françoise's love for drawing but also unveils her latent telepathic abilities. Her newfound prophetic intuition draws her into a police investigation alongside Sergeant Stevenson, where she uncovers deeply buried family secrets that resonate with her own past.

A Journey of Love and Self-Discovery

Driven by an emerging romance and the profound realization of her extraordinary gift, Françoise embarks on a journey that ultimately leads her to a deeper understanding of herself, illustrating that every significant quest is inherently a path to self-discover