Gabor, the debut feature by Joannie Lafrenière, has been selected by the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and the Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma. This intimate, offbeat documentary depicts the career and personal life of Gabor Szilasi, a photographer whose creative process is as fascinating as his life story. The film will open in Quebec on May 27, 2022.
Gabor will have its Ontario premiere at Hot Docs, which is running from April 28 to May 8 in Toronto. Eligible for the Audience Award, It will screen in the “Artscape” section on Monday, May 2 at 2 p.m. at the Isabel Bader Theatre, and Thursday, May 5 at 8 p.m. at the TIFF Lightbox, in the presence of the film crew.
Before heading to Toronto, the film will screen at the Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma on Sunday, April 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cinémathèque québécoise. It will be eligible to win the Prix Pierre-et-Yolande-Perrault. The film crew will be present to talk with the audience after the screening.
The film previously had its World Premiere on the closing night of the 2021 Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM). In April, it will also be presented at the Vues sur mer festival in Gaspé, and at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in North Carolina.
Synopsis
Gabor is a quirky, feel-good portrait of Gabor Szilasi, the 94-year-old giant of Canadian contemporary photography. It is an uplifting immigrant story and an inspiring lesson on how to grow old with elegance and dignity.
About the filmmaker
Documentary filmmaker and photographer, Joannie Lafrenière loves human beings. Holding degrees in journalism and photography, Joannie has contributed to several recognized publications and has had the chance to be part of many different inspiring independent projects. Her documentary projects have been shown in major festivals across Canada and abroad. She uses the codes and aesthetics of pop culture playfully, along with the power of kitsch, to avoid the trap of caricature. Her work is informed by an anthropological approach, and she uses the camera as an excuse to establish relationships with people who tickle her curiosity: she then highlights them through portraits in which humanity, fantasy, colour and humour are central. Joannie lives, works, and plays in Montreal.
GABOR, written and directed by Joannie Lafrenière
Featuring: Gabor Szilasi, Andrea Szilasi, Doreen Lindsay, Irina Kozak Krausz & Michel Campeau.
Quebec. 2021. 101 minutes. Original French and English Version, with English or French subtitles.
Script: Joannie Lafrenière | Cinematography: Joannie Lafrenière | Editing: Emmanuelle Lane | Sound Design: Marie-Pierre Grenier | Sound Mix: Jean Paul Vialard | Original Score: Gervaise | Sound Recording: Marc-André Labonté | Production: Tak Films (Line Sander Egede) | Distribution: Maison 4:3
Facebook: facebook.com/Gabordocumentaire
Instagram: instagram.com/gabor.film
Website: gaborlefilm.ca
Hot Docs 2022: hotdocs.ca/whats-on/hot-docs-festival/films/2022/gabor
RVQC 2022: rendez-vous.quebeccinema.ca/films/gabor
