Drama,
7:52 minutes,
English/French with English subtitles,
QC,
2009
Synopsis
Bon Voyage is an irreverent tribute to French Prairie culture.
The film is set on a 19th Century steam train and photographed on black and white film. It features a cast of weathered-leathered faced Francophones who sing songs of jubilation as they rapidly approach extinction.
Bon Voyage uses deadpan humour to explore the desperate struggles of this poignantly strange culture.
Creative team
Writer/producer/director: Ryan McKenna
Personal statement
Ryan McKenna says:
"Bon Voyage was inspired by my own experiences growing up as a francophone in Saint Boniface and memories of teachers and community members in a desperate war to promote French speaking.
The film focuses on the death of that culture which, more than anything, was a personal comment on the death of that culture within myself.
Indeed, just before I began production it became evident that I would have to direct the actors in French which left me to face the bitter reality that I could barely speak the language anymore. I must admit that this came as a bit of a surprise, since I only learnt to speak English at the age of nine. So what began as a humourous piece of social commentary ended up becoming a personal revelation to the powers of assimilation."
Selected festivals and awards
Manitoba Emerging Filmmaker Award - 2008