William Dale
Published online August 12, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
FORT-COULONGE — Cinema enthusiasts gathered in Fort-Coulonge this weekend as cultural organization Phare Ouest hosted the third edition of the Pontiac International Women’s Film Festival (FICFP). Running from August 7 to 9, the three-day event highlighted works directed by women, bringing a unique cultural offering to the regional screen.
The festival kicked off at the historic Cinema Lyn on Baume Street before wrapping up Sunday evening with a free outdoor screening under the stars at Pont Blanc Beach in Mansfield-et-Pontefract.
Celebrating Female Vision and Talent
Serving as honorary president for this year’s edition was Quebec filmmaker Mélanie Charbonneau, who presented two of her feature films over the weekend. Friday night opened with Les Furies (The Furies), a sports comedy centered on a group of women who start a roller derby team in a church basement.
“It’s a big production—it’s the first Quebec women’s sports comedy,” Charbonneau shared during an interview at the event.
On Sunday night, Charbonneau’s multi-award-winning drama Out Standing (Outstanding) screened at Pont Blanc Beach at 9:00 PM. The film tells the story of Sandra Perron, the first female infantry officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. Based on Perron’s memoir and shot primarily at military bases across Quebec, the drama premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) before winning Best Screenplay at the Canadian Screen Awards.
“Having screenings outside makes it even more accessible,” Charbonneau said. “This festival shows how broad the subjects can be when made by women. It showcases great talent, and audiences get to discover cool directors and follow their careers.”
Amplifying Women in Cinema and Celebrating Award Winners
Organized by cultural non-profit Phare Ouest, the festival aims to create space for female creators in an industry where women directors remain historically underrepresented.
Phare Ouest President Louis Harvey emphasized the vital message behind establishing a festival dedicated exclusively to women in film.
“It’s a message for producers,” Harvey explained. “Men often run the show, but women are directing incredible works that are just as strong, if not better. We do this for their success, for their work, and for the future.”
The festival officially concluded its indoor programming on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 PM with the presentation of the festival’s signature “Cocottes d’or” awards at Cinema Lyn. Director Pascale Ferland was awarded the Desjardins Cocotte d’or for Best Feature Film (Jury Award) for her documentary Dans la forêt.
Photo – The marquee at Cinema Lyn in Fort-Coulonge advertised the Pontiac International Women’s Film Festival, running August 7–9. (Photo by William Dale).