Mani, a master’s student, returns to the northern Quebec community where she grew up. Her painful past resurfaces. Determined to find a place for herself, she got involved in the debate surrounding a referendum to allow the free sale of alcohol on the reserve. Laura, a trafficker, pockets the profits there under the protection of the band council and Raymond, her husband. The latter is still angry with Mani, whom he holds responsible for the death of his daughter in a fire. Opposing forces quickly divide the community into two clans who come face-to-face to determine the best path to independence.
With BOOTLEGGER, her first feature film, Caroline Monnet explores several universal themes such as the quest for identity, the fear of losing control and the hope for a better world for generations to come. Shot in French and Anishinabemowin, the film stars Devery Jacobs (Reservation Dogs series), Pascale Bussières (Ville-Marie), Samian (Roche papier-ciseaux), Jacques Newashish (Avant les rues), Dominique Pétin (Sous un ciel variable ), Joséphine Bacon (Je m’appelle humain), CS Gilbert Crazy Horse and Brigitte Poupart (Les famamés) in the lead roles. The film’s original music is by Canadian throat singer Tanya Tagaq, and drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Jean Martin.
BOOTLEGGER is produced by Microclimat Films and distributed in Canada by MK2 | Mile End. The film will open the 50th edition of the FNC on October 6, and will premiere in Canada on October 8.
