An unprecedented language crisis unfolded in the heart of the town of Saint-Leonard in 1968-1969. French-speaking parents demanded French-only schools, while members of the Italian community wanted to preserve bilingual schools. The conflict spread throughout Québec, creating enormous tensions that degenerated into violence and culminated in a bloody riot. La bataille de St-Léonard tells the story of Raymond Lemieux and Mario Barone, two remarkable yet forgotten men of modest origins, who each fought with strength and conviction, despite the heavy consequences to themselves, their families, and their professional lives. Their struggle changed the destiny of Québec and led to the adoption of the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101).
Tuesday December 17th – 8:45pm – Tickets
Saturday December 21st – 12:45pm – Tickets
Friday December 27th – 3:15pm – Tickets
Casa d’Italia
505 Rue Jean Talon E. – Montreal
”La bataille de Saint-Léonard ” by Félix Rose
Québec | 2024 | 108 min | French
Co-presented with Cinéma Public as part of the Regards italiens de Montréal series.