Montreal-based film distribution and international sales company H264 has acquired international rights to La Portraitiste, the first feature film written by Florence Lompre and directed by Annie St-Pierre.
This is a historical drama set in 1962 Montreal with a touch of magic realism. It depicts Françoise, who lives a stifling life under orders from her husband Germain and sanctions from her aunt Agathe. Françoise works as a receptionist at the local police station, patrolled by her beloved cousin Gilles, when she is unexpectedly asked to sketch the profile of the attacker.
This experience rekindles her passion for painting and suddenly reveals the outlines of her telepathic talents. Françoise’s prophetic intuition draws her, along with Sergeant Stevenson, into an investigation in which long-buried family secrets are reflected in her own past.
Through her budding love and discovery of her talent, Françoise comes to understand that all explorations inevitably lead back to herself.
The film is scheduled to begin filming this spring and be released in 2027.
Roger Frappier of Max Films, the film’s producer, said: “Working with Florence Lompre and Annie St-Pierre is like having access to a true dream team. Florence brings extraordinary intelligence and rare sensitivity to the characters, and Annie’s vision gives the story depth and direction. Their collaboration gives me absolute confidence that this story will resonate deeply with audiences.”
It was with “Like Moi!” that Ronpre attracted the attention of the public. She played the role of Gabby Gravel and later made a strong impression in “Can You Hear Me?”. She also collaborated as a writer on two acclaimed series: M’entends-tu? and Audrey’s Earnings. She is also the co-writer of the series “Le temps des framboises” which was recognized at several international festivals including the Berlinale and the Seoul Drama Awards.
In 2025, Lonpre released the series Empathy, which he wrote and starred in. It won the Audience Award at Series Mania ahead of its broadcast on Canal+, and a second season is in development.
“La Portraitiste” is Ronpré’s first foray into film.
St-Pierre directed the documentaries Fermières and Le pleinpotentiel, the latter of which was selected for the 2025 SXSW. Her short film Like the Ones I Used to Know (Les grandes claques) premiered at Sundance and was shortlisted for the 2021 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.
Montreal-based Max Film’s credits include “Borderline,” “The Great Temptation,” “Maelstrom,” “Jesus of Montreal” and “The Decline of an American Empire.” The slate includes English remakes of “The Great Temptation” (directed by Don McKellar), “Two Lovers and a Bear” (directed by Kim Nguyen), “Hochelaga”, “Land of Souls” (directed by François Girard), and Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning film “The Power of the Dog.” Most recently, Max Films produced “Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful,” directed by Lyne Charlebois.
