Summer cinema under the stars
Bleu Soir is back for its 4th edition at Livart in collaboration with Cinéma Public!
Cinéma Public, founded in 2021 and currently located at Casa d’Italia, is dedicated to promoting cinema in all its forms to the Montreal audience. Its rich programming includes local films, international newcomers, as well as highlights of short films and hidden gems. Additionally, Cinéma Public hosts family sessions, special events, and discussions with guests, creating a unique and enriching cinematic experience for all film enthusiasts.
“I think people go to the movies to be inspired by something beautiful, something they can’t quite find in real life.” – Peter in “Me and You and Everyone We Know” by Miranda July.
This year’s film selection offers works of various genres to suit every taste. In the realm of international cinema, Le Bonheur, one of the most provocative films by French director Agnès Varda, explores themes of fidelity and happiness in a modern, egocentric world, set to a joyful palette and the lively airs of Mozart.
For enthusiasts of the French New Wave, Jacques Demy‘s musical Les Demoiselles de Rochefort is a must-see. This film dazzles with vibrant sets of colors and emotions, features entirely sung dialogues set to a melody by Michel Legrand, and stars an unforgettable duo of actresses, Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorléac.
For fans of Quebec cinema, we recommend Elvis Gratton, le king des kings, a humorous satire from 1985 directed by Pierre Falardeau and Julien Poulin. The film revolves around Robert “Bob” Gratton, a humble suburban mechanic who idolizes Elvis Presley and decides to enter an impersonation contest.
If thrillers are your preference, don’t miss Love Lies Bleeding by Rose Glass—a powerful, brutal, and dynamic film. The story centers on Lou, a reclusive gym manager who becomes deeply enamored with Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder heading to Las Vegas to pursue her dreams. Their intense love sparks violence that embroils them in the complexities of crime. Blurring the lines between thriller and romance, this A24 production takes audiences on a psychological journey that is both dreamlike and nightmarish, filled with burlesque humor, while exploring themes of homophobia in 1980s America and how violence permeates their relationship.
If you’re a fan of experimental cinema and art videos, we strongly encourage you to attend the special program: EXPMTL, in collaboration with Visions, on Wednesday, July 17. Created by artists from Montreal and its surroundings, these films offer a new perception of the moving image. The screening will be followed by an enriching discussion with the filmmakers: Myriam Charles, Alexandre Larose, and Pierre Hébert.
In collaboration with Quizz Montréal, Bleu Soir is also organizing a free, entertaining, and educational evening. You can gather up to six friends to form a team and participate in this interactive quiz on July 22 at 8:30 PM.
More films and screenings are available on the Cinéma Public website. For more information and to reserve your tickets, please visit their website.
Livart and Cinéma Public promise you a magical experience under the stars. Bring your wine and enjoy the gentle Montreal summer evenings in a grand architectural setting, watching superb films in a warm and joyful atmosphere!
Text and photos by Julie Chalhoub