Regional Realities of English-speaking Quebec

About the film series

Each film offers a unique lens on regional identity, community resilience, and minority belonging, highlighting how daily life is shaped by connections to land, heritage, and efforts to preserve language and culture. It invites viewers to reflect on the complexity of Quebec’s multifaceted character, where local organizations, political and social dynamics, and relationships with the Francophone majority influence how institutions foster inclusion, debate, and a sense of belonging.

This series builds upon Brian Lewis’ Memories of Entry Island project, where he engaged not as a distant observer, but as a curious and involved researcher, artist, and witness—responsive to the spontaneous, unanticipated reactions of participants.

Community members often face unique challenges that go unnoticed. By sharing their stories through video and ethnography research, filmmaker and research associate Anita Aloisio aimed to raise awareness, strengthen community bonds and understanding, as well as support informed decision-making by policymakers and other leaders.

Research-creation approach

Although standard questions served as a starting point, we deliberately encouraged participants to steer the discussion toward issues that mattered to them and emerged naturally during the conversation. This open approach created space for authentic, participant-led storytelling.

You’ll meet local changemakers—community leaders, media voices, and everyday people—who are working to make a difference. Whether they’re preserving culture, building inclusive spaces, or simply keeping traditions alive, their stories are at the heart of this project.