CHAMPIONS
A film by Helgi Piccinin
Selected in three festivals in September: FIN, FCVQ and Lunenburg Doc Fest
IN THEATRES OCTOBER 30
Les Films du 3 Mars and Les Vues de l’Esprit are pleased to announce the theatrical release of Champions, the first feature documentary by Helgi Piccinin. The film portrays Stéphane, the filmmaker’s autistic brother, and Audrey, his atypical friend, in a sports odyssey that takes them from Canada to Dubai to compete in the Special Olympics World Games. It will open in theatres October 30 in Montreal (Cinéma du Parc, Cinéma Moderne) and Quebec City (Cinéma Cartier).
In September, Champions will embark on a Canadian festival tour. The film’s World Premiere will be held at the FIN Atlantic International Film Festival (renamed FIN AIFF Stream), and its Quebec premiere will take place at the Festival de cinéma de la ville de Québec. It will also be part of the Lunenburg Doc Fest lineup in Nova Scotia at the end of the month. All three festivals are exceptionally held online this year.
FIN Atlantic International Film Festival | FIN AIFF Stream
From September 17 to 24: finfestival.ca
Available in Atlantic Canada
Festival de cinéma de la ville de Québec (Quebec City Film Festival)
Sunday, September 20 at 1 p.m.: fcvq.ca/programmation/film/champions
Available across Canada
*Followed by a Q&A session with Filmmaker Helgi Piccinin and Programming Director Laura Rohard.
Lunenburg Doc Fest
From September 24 to 30: lunenburgdocfest.com/film/champions
Available in Atlantic Canada
*A live Q&A with Stéphane Piccinin (protagonist), Helgi Piccinin (filmmaker) and Philippe Miquel (producer) will take place on Saturday September 26 at 10 a.m. (ADT).
Champions is a documentary in which the director follows the quests of his autistic brother Stéphane and his atypical friend Audrey. Born with an intellectual difference, Stéphane and Audrey want to prove to the world that they too can win medals. They found a passion in athletics competitions at the provincial and national levels and have now set their sights on the international stage. For three intense years marked by training and two championships, we follow them until the end of their ambitious dream, that of competing at the Special Olympics World Games in Dubai. Intertwining both the sport odyssey and the human portrait, this feel-good documentary offers an immersion into a fascinating world where athletes with an intellectual difference are at the forefront.
Facebook: facebook.com/gochampionsgo
Instagram: instagram.com/championslefilm
Twitter: twitter.com/gochampionsgo
Website: f3m.ca/en/film/champions
CHAMPIONS: THE WEB SERIES
Every Thursday, additional clips are posted on the Champions Facebook page and Instagram. These clips portray other Special Olympics athletes, coaches and family members not seen in the documentary. They speak of the paths they have travelled, and the challenges they have confronted. They share their hopes and dreams as well as the pride behind their many personal and athletic achievements.
