Synopsis
In the late 1960s, with the triumph of bilingualism and biculturalism, New Brunswick’s Université de Moncton became the setting for the awakening of Acadian nationalism after centuries of defeatism and resignation. Although 40% of the province’s population spoke French, they had been unable to make their voices heard. The film captures the behind-the-scenes action and the students’ determination to bring about change. An invaluable document of the rebirth of a people.
A word from Tënk
It is not surprising to think that, while filming a documentary in Winnipeg unrelated to this film, Brault and Perrault heard from two Acadian students that a demonstration demanding more francophone services would be held at the University of Moncton, they were immediately interested in putting it on film, no doubt relating to their cause. Initially planning to shoot a short film that would consist only of the demonstration, they quickly changed their plans as they learned more about the Acadian people, their customs and their frustration. A true historical and cinematographic document of the 1970's direct cinema, Acadia, Acadia?!? paints an honest, sometimes moving, but above all inspiring portrait of a people persecuted by their own country and forgotten by history, a people who, despite everything, never stopped fighting for their survival, inspiring thousands of Quebecers who identified with their struggle to do the same.
Jean-François Vaudrin
Head of acquisitions at Tënk
and film critic
