Mr. Speaker, the Iris gala, the grand celebration of the Quebec film industry, shone brightly again this year.
The biggest winner of the night was Gatineau director Ariane Louis‑Seize, whose film Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person has more than just a catchy title to recommend it. This black comedy won best picture, best first film, and best screenplay for the director and her co-writer Christine Doyon.
Monia Chokri won best director for The Nature of Love, while Théodore Pellerin and Ariane Castellanos were named best actors of the year.
The highlight of the evening was the tribute to director Denis Villeneuve. His talent makes us so proud, and it was moving to see him get so emotional at this gala.
The Iris gala reminded us that Quebec produces, per capita, some of the best filmmakers and actors in the world. Above all, it reminded us of the importance of ensuring that our public institutions provide adequate ongoing funding for the film industry, as this government has promised many times.
Long live the Quebec film industry.