Izza, Judi and Tamara worked for eight months on the short film "Mes Places." (Photo: Jacques Pharand)
Life at Places l’Acadie and Henri-Bourassa
> Simon Letendre
It is the subject of a short film launched on March 16 at Bois-de-Boulogne College. Conceived and created entirely by young people in the district in the context of the Places en mouvement project, the 20-minute documentary makes the viewer discover this residential isle on its best day.
It will have taken eight months of work for Judi, Tamara and Izza to produce the DVD entitled "Mes Places." The first time that they became interested in this project, they did not know that they would have to put in such an effort to complete it. However, even if they had discouraging moments, in the end, they were a little reflective of the idea that it was now time to move on.
Long learning process
Initiated by young people, the DVD project began with a learning phase. During this time, the amateur filmmakers were accompanied by three top rate speakers: Mireille Foisy-Hotte from Places en mouvement, Henri Scaboro from the Volunteer Action Centre of Bordeaux-Cartierville and Philippe Messie of Communautique.
Mireille, Henri and Philippe were able to share their knowledge in cinema. The three young girls, who had never touched a camera, familiarized themselves with all the stages of film production including screenwriting, design, filming, editing and post-production. For Philippe, they especially learned how to communicate using new media.
An essential subject
When the time came to choose the topic of their documentary, Judi, Tamara and Izza immediately thought of talking about Places l’Acadie and Henri-Bourassa. These buildings were often in the headlines because of problems of cleanliness, but the three filmmakers preferred to show their surroundings on a good day. They carried out several interviews with people living at the location. They asked them questions about their background, the history of the district and the cultural diversity which characterizes it.
The result is a well made documentary which takes us to centre of life at Places l’Acadie and Henri-Bourassa. "It was an honor to be able to make a film at such a pleasant place," said Tamara.
An encouraging project
Beyond the finished product, the DVD project had many beneficial effects. One of its objectives was to prevent drug-addiction among young people by giving them possibility of being involved in a project of their own. Given that more than 50 young people took part in the various facets of the production of Mes Places, one can conclude that this objective was achieved.
In addition, the DVD project made it possible to discover the resources in the district and to forge links with people whom they mingle with every day without necessarily knowing them. In fact, this initiative was such a success that the persons in charge of Places en mouvement hope to follow-up. Several scenarios are being considered. The basic idea would be to ask Judi, Tamara and Izza to become mentors to a new group of amateur filmmakers. A request for a summer grant was submitted, but they are awaiting an answer. (Translated by Michael Beigleman)
Météo: Montréal, 18 juillet 2008 / 21°C
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/ Vents: 13 Km/h / Humidité relative: 88 % 
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