Synopsis
The Grand National at the Saint-Hyacinthe Agricultural Exhibition is the most significant truck and tractor pulling event in Canada. Over three days, in front of 20,000 spectators, more than sixty competitors from across North America compete. This film follows the experience of one competitor amidst this event, highlighting the close bonds between humans and machines.
A word from Tënk
If yesterday's farmers tested the strength of their horses through draft horse competitions, today's farmers do the same with trucks and tractors, each one louder and more frenzied than the last. However, while the animal has been replaced by testosterone-fueled machines complete with flame decals, the relationship these men have with competition remains visibly intact.
Is this an apology for an outdated hobby, far too eco-damaging for its own good, or rather an ode to self-improvement and the unifying aspect that such a sentiment brings to a community? Both perspectives have their merits and Serge-Olivier Rondeau, here, does not claim to offer an answer.
In this sense, the viewing of Grand National rather paints the portrait of one of its devotees, the late Donald Labonté, a man driven by a contagious passion, who hastens to congratulate his comrades and adversaries while taking pleasure in rigorously and meticulously evaluating his strategies to climb to the top of the rankings.
Jason Todd
Artistic Director
Tënk
