Quebec Comedy Folichonneries Focuses on Emotional Connections, Not Just Sexuality
While the provocative title and premise might suggest otherwise, Quebec filmmaker Éric K. Boulianne insists his debut feature Folichonneries is not primarily about sex. The comedy, which follows a long-term couple experimenting with non-monogamy, uses sexual exploration as a narrative device to explore deeper human emotions.
A Personal Story with Universal Appeal
"We told our story via sex, but it's the background, not necessarily the main subject," Boulianne explained in a recent interview. "The film was shown across Europe, in Hungary, in Estonia, and the film is universal in that it talks about love, about family, about couples."
The director emphasized that the film's success at international festivals like Locarno and TIFF stems from its relatable emotional core. "The goal is to have someone like my mother who doesn't usually see this kind of film come see the film and be moved by the emotions," he said. "It's to bring people in to be captivated by the characters."
Independent Spirit and Influences
Shot on a modest budget under one million dollars, Folichonneries deliberately bypassed traditional funding routes to maintain creative control. Boulianne cites American independent cinema as a major influence, particularly the mumblecore movement of the early 2000s and the work of auteur Jim Jarmusch.
"For us, we told our story via sex, but it's the background, not necessarily the main subject," Boulianne reiterated. "Anyone in a couple can relate to the film. The point is that relationships are complicated. We all need love."
Weekend Entertainment Highlights in Montreal
Montreal Rocker Returns After 35 Years
Local music legend Aldo Nova makes his long-awaited hometown return with a concert at Casino de Montréal on Saturday. The hard-rocking singer-guitarist, known for his collaboration with Bon Jovi on "Blaze of Glory" and his work with Céline Dion, kicks off what's being promoted as a major comeback tour.
Innovative Violinist Brings Unique Sound to Montreal
American artist Sudan Archives, the project of singer-violinist Brittney Denise Parks, performs at Le Studio TD on Saturday. Her innovative sound blends traditional Sudanese fiddling with contemporary R&B, experimental electronics, and beat-making for a truly distinctive musical experience.
Additional Weekend Screenings
All That's Left of You: Palestinian-American filmmaker Cherien Dabis presents this multi-generational family drama set in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, with executive production by Javier Bardem and Mark Ruffalo.
Vie privée: This French thriller features Jodie Foster speaking French and opens with the iconic Talking Heads track "Psycho Killer," blending caper film elements with Hitchcockian suspense.
Folichonneries opens in French-language cinemas across Quebec this weekend, with English-subtitled screenings as Follies beginning February 6 at Cinéma du Parc.
