KINGSTON, ON (Jan. 8, 2025) – The latest award-winning film from Québec auteur Sophie Deraspe kicks off the 25th anniversary edition of the Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF), it was announced today. SHEPHERDS premieres at the gala opening night for the world’s largest all-Canadian film and cultural festival on Wednesday, February 26. With the full festival lineup to be announced on January 31, KCFF runs through Sunday, March 2.
Winner of TIFF’s Best Canadian Film award and a finalist for the Rogers Best Canadian Film Award at the Toronto Film Critics Association Awards 2024, SHEPHERDS is the second film from Deraspe to screen at KCFF following her acclaimed ANTIGONE in 2020. In SHEPHERDS, Deraspe takes inspiration from a memoir by Mathyas Lefebure, the Montréal ad exec who traded in his urban existence to pursue his dream of becoming a shepherd in the south of France. Though he clings to a somewhat naïve pastoral ideal, Mathyas – played on screen with great vividness by Félix-Antoine Duval – soon learns about the many challenges that such a life entails. Duval will be in attendance on opening night.
“SHEPHERDS is one of the most compelling cinematic visions to emerge from Québec in recent years,” said Jason Anderson, Head Features Programmer, KCFF. “Emphasizing both the hardships and the potential for profound insights about work, love and everything else that connects us to the world around us, Deraspe creates a wholly immersive and deeply moving experience that’s not soon forgotten.”
In addition to film, KCFF boasts non-stop Q&As, music, comedy, videos, workshops, and parties at venues ranging from the historic Grand Theatre and local cinema treasure The Screening Room, to beloved cultural space the Broom Factory and multiple downtown bars and restaurants.
The 2025 Kingston Canadian Film Festival is presented by TD and the Tourism Kingston. Major sponsors also include Cogeco, Downtown Kingston BIA, ACFOMI, and the Slaight Family Foundation. Join the KCFF Circle of Supporters here or donate here.
About the Kingston Canadian Film Festival:
The Kingston Canadian Film Festival is the largest festival in the world dedicated exclusively to Canadian film. Founded in 2001, KCFF is a charitable cultural organization that provides access to Canadian film in a dynamic festival setting. Transforming traditional and unconventional venues across Kingston’s historic downtown, KCFF is an annual whirlwind of movies and special events that spark curiosity, ignite discussion, and provide a fresh experience of Canadian film. Each year, long-time festival goers and first-time enthusiasts can explore screenings, Q+As, parties, workshops, networking events, live music, stand-up comedy, and exhibitions.
Previous visiting filmmakers include Atom Egoyan, Deepa Mehta, Alanis Obomsawin, Don McKellar, Elliot Page, Mina Shum, Matt Johnson, Brigitte Berman, Jeff Barnaby, and many more. Past performers attending KCFF include Gerry Dee, Cathy Jones, Bif Naked, Gordon Pinsent, and casts from BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW, LETTERKENNY, MR. D, TRAILER PARK BOYS, KIDS IN THE HALL, and THIS HOURS HAS 22 MINUTES, among others.
