Montreal, My Beautiful
2025 Canadian film
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Montreal, My Beautiful (French: Montréal, ma belle) is a 2025 Canadian drama film, directed by Xiaodan He.[1] The film stars Joan Chen as Feng Xia, a Chinese Canadian immigrant wife and mother living in Montreal, Quebec, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery when she meets and falls in love with Camille (Charlotte Aubin), a free-spirited younger woman.[2]
Xiaodan He
| Montreal, My Beautiful | |
|---|---|
| French | Montréal, ma belle |
| Directed by | Xiaodan He |
| Screenplay by | Xiaodan He |
| Produced by | Christine Falco Xiaodan He |
| Starring | Joan Chen Charlotte Aubin |
| Cinematography | Marie Davignon |
| Edited by | Tao Gu |
| Music by | Gaétan Gravel |
Production companies | Films Camera Oscura Red Dawn Productions |
| Distributed by | Filmoption International |
Release date |
|
Running time | 117 minutes |
| Country | Canada |
| Languages | French Mandarin |
The cast also includes John Xu, Pei Yao Xu, Anzhe (Angelo) Zhang, Jean-Guy Bouchard, Isabelle Miquelon, Zion-Luna Ribeaux Valdès, Annette Garant, Éloi Archambaudoin, Wensi Yan, Pantelis Palioudakis and Amélie Pelletier in supporting roles.
Distribution
The film was screened for distributors at the Cannes Film Market in May 2025,[3] and had its public premiere in the National Competition at the 2025 Festival du nouveau cinéma.[4]
Reception
La Presse described Montréal, ma belle as a bold film exploring the romantic relationship between a middle-aged Chinese immigrant woman and a younger Québécoise woman. The review praised Joan Chen’s performance as Feng Xia, noting her nuanced portrayal of the character’s inner conflict and emotions. The critic also highlighted the tenderness in the central relationship and the realistic depiction of intimacy. At the same time, the review mentioned narrative gaps, awkward dialogue, and some inexperienced supporting performances.[5]
Awards
| Award | Year | Category | Recipient | Result | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windsor International Film Festival | 2025 | Best Canadian Film | Xiaodan He | Won | [6] |
| Reelworld Film Festival | Outstanding Feature Film Actress | Joan Chen | Won | [7] | |
| Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival | Best Canadian Film | Xiaodan He | Won | [8] | |
| Toronto Film Critics Association | 2025 | Outstanding Lead Performance in a Canadian Film | Joan Chen | Won | [9] |
| Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Canadian Film | Charlotte Aubin | Nominated | |||
| Kingston Canadian Film Festival | 2026 | Cogeco People's Choice | Xiaodan He | Won | [10] |
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