La Traversée
Director: Noel Fenez & Joanna Simoens
Crew:Writers: Martial Fenez, Valérie Cachard, Noel Fenez, Joanna Simoens. Producers: Noel Fenez, Joanna Simoens. Animation: Mick Seegobin, Noel Fenez; Voiceover: David Gay-Perret; Sound Engineer: Spencer Crewe; Musicians: Joanna Simoens, Mahina Graham-Laidlaw, Trevor Barker
Email:noelfenez@gmail.com
Synopsis
La Traversée tells the story of a young man who leaves France in 1911 aboard the S.S. Pretorian, inspired by a letter he wrote while crossing the Atlantic in search of a new life in Canada. Through a blend of animation, archival photos, and French folk music, the film captures both the harsh realities of third-class travel and the fleeting moments of wonder that sustain him, from glimpses of whales to the sight of distant villages. Created by Noel Fenez and Joanna Simoens, it is a deeply personal yet universal reflection on immigration, preserving a century-old family story for future generations.
About the director
Noel Fenez is an award-winning Canadian filmmaker based in Montreal, QC. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, he completed school at l'Université de Saint-Boniface where his final student film, Hypoxia, premiered at the Montreal World Film Festival. Noel is the founder of Alister Creative Agency, a marketing agency based in Montreal.
Joanna Simoens is an ethnomusicologist based out of Montreal, QC. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, she completed her studies at the Université de Montréal and Memorial University of Newfoundland. Joanna is currently a Labour Relations Officer at the Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec, Local 406 of the American Federation of Musicians.