The Mix Film Festival of Laval Unveils Its 2025 Program
The Mix Film Festival of Laval (MFFL) has unveiled the full program for its second edition, taking place from October 23 to 26, 2025, at Salle Claude-Potvin of École Curé-Antoine-Labelle.
This year’s festival features more than 30 films, including feature-length and short fiction films as well as documentaries from Québec, Canada, Algeria, Lebanon, Martinique, Tunisia, France, and other countries. Staying true to its mission, the MFFL highlights underrepresented voices and emerging talents from the Latin-Arab and intercultural cinema scene.
Opening Night: A Red Carpet and a Moving Premiere
The festival will kick off on October 23 with a red carpet event bringing together artists, guests, and professionals from Québec’s film industry. The evening will feature the world premiere of Tic-Toc, a docufiction inspired by the autobiographical book of Michael Ghazo, who lives with Tourette syndrome. The film is produced by MIX FILM and directed by Charbel El Melhem.
A Diverse Lineup of International Voices
The feature film section celebrates diversity with works such as:
- L’Avion jaune, by Hadjer Sebata (Algeria), an award-winning film on the international circuit;
- Un homme sous son influence, by Emmanuel Martin, a Cuban-born director based in Montréal, exploring power dynamics and emotional boundaries;
- Entre Fronteras, by Juan José Cea Escobar and Jose Fuca, a Canadian-Chilean collaboration about borders and migration dreams;
- Barzakh, by Kays Mejri (Tunisia), an introspective work on transition and memory.
The documentary selection is equally rich, featuring:
- La chanson d’Aïda by Giovanni Princigalli;
- Words Left Unspoken by Josiane Blanc, following Joze Piranian’s journey from Lebanon to Canada;
- We Never Left by Loulwa Khoury, a powerful account of Lebanon’s revolution and its diaspora;
- Ma Traversée by Diana Goudrouffe, filmed over two decades across Guadeloupe, France, and Québec.
Emerging Voices and Local Talent
The festival will also present a Youth Showcase, in collaboration with École Curé-Antoine-Labelle’s Arts and Multimedia program, offering a platform to young Laval filmmakers beginning their careers. A Retro Screening will pay tribute to significant works in intercultural cinema.
More than 20 short films from a new generation of filmmakers will be screened, representing a broad range of voices and styles from Québec to the Middle East, Latin America, and beyond. Highlights include:
Trudeau: The Other Son of the Revolution (Émilie Cayer, Vincent Lafleur), Charité (Nezlie Feriel Kallel), Sonrié (Ahmed Mokrane), Sirènes (Sarah Malleon), Sultana’s Reign (Hadi Moussally), and two Mexican shorts by young directors Saul A. A. (13) and Paola Loeza (14).
Panels and Partnerships
The MFFL will host panels featuring filmmakers and cultural leaders on themes such as:
- Inclusion and New Storytelling Forms
- Reviving Theaters: Audiences at the Heart of Cinema’s Future
The festival also benefits from partnerships with numerous organizations and festivals that support its mission of cultural outreach, including Vues d’Afrique, Imedghassen International Film Festival, Beirut Film Society, Lebanon Cinema Days Canada, Lebanese Independent Film Festival (LIFF), African Movie Festival in Manitoba, and Cinema Diva (Mexico).
A Celebration of Intercultural Dialogue
With its blend of cultures, languages, and cinematic visions, the Mix Film Festival of Laval is becoming a key cultural destination that bridges communities and generations through film.
Full program and schedule available at mixfilmfestival.ca.
