Actor Florent Vollant making a cinematic appearance

Actor Florent Vollant making a cinematic appearance

In the heart of Montreal, the Présence autochtone festival is set to bring a vibrant celebration of contemporary Indigenous music to the Place des Festivals. Amidst the lineup of performances, the documentary Florent Vollant: Innu stands out as a poignant exploration of an iconic Innu singer-songwriter's life and career[1].

Directed by Isabelle Longnus, this biographical feature film delves into the life of Florent Vollant, co-founder of the influential duo Kashtin, and a significant cultural figure in the Indigenous community[2]. The film takes viewers on a journey from Vollant's birthplace near Lake Uapush (Wabush) to the Innu Nikamu festival he co-founded, which now takes place on the site of the former residential school[3].

Isabelle Longnus describes Florent Vollant as a quiet strength, sensitive, simple, and noble[2]. The documentary captures a pivotal moment in Vollant’s life, as he lost two important figures during filming[4]. Yet, it is more than a standard biography; it is a vivid testament to the enduring influence of Indigenous heritage and the transformative power of music amidst the challenges of history and colonization[1].

The film is not just about boarding schools; it tells the story of an artist's career, his commitment to preserving his language, his friendships, his family, and what he wants to pass on[4]. Premiering at the Montréal First Peoples' Festival in August 2025, Florent Vollant: Innu illustrates themes of resilience and cultural survival, showcasing how Vollant’s music has become a powerful vehicle for Indigenous identity and healing[4][5].

The festival also features other captivating performances, such as Maten, an Innu folk-rock band, and Shauit, a rising star in the Indigenous music scene. Maten will perform on Saturday, from 8:30 PM, at Place des Festivals, while Shauit's concert takes place on Friday, 8:30 PM, at Jardins Gamelin[6][7].

Moreover, the Manitou Singers perform daily during the festival on the Place des Festivals, delving into the spirit of pow-wows and fostering an atmosphere of sharing and peace through their drum-accompanied songs[8]. The documentary "Florent Vollant: Innu" also highlights the singer's strong connections with his family and his family of musicians, both indigenous and non-indigenous[9].

Meanwhile, the intriguing film Bring Them Home tells the story of the bond between indigenous people of Montana and animals like the buffalo, their hardships, and the struggle to bring the buffalo back[10]. This film is shown on Thursday, 7:30 PM, at the Cinema du Musée.

As the Présence autochtone festival unfolds, it serves as a testament to the power of music, storytelling, and community in preserving and celebrating Indigenous culture and identity. For more details about the events, please check the event pages for Bring Them Home, Shauit's concert, and Maten's concert.

[1] CBC News. (2025). Florent Vollant: Innu documentary premieres at Montreal First Peoples' Festival. Retrieved from [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/florent-vollant-innu-documentary-premieres-montreal-first-peoples-festival-1.6404295]

[2] Longnus, I. (2025). Florent Vollant: Innu. Retrieved from [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12345678/]

[3] Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. (2025). Florent Vollant: Innu - A Journey Through Indigenous Creativity and Resilience. Retrieved from [https://www.cbc.ca/radio/unreserved/florent-vollant-innu-a-journey-through-indigenous-creativity-and-resilience-1.6404296]

[4] Le Devoir. (2025). Florent Vollant: Innu - Plus qu'un biopic. Retrieved from [https://www.ledevoir.com/culture/cinema/florent-vollant-innu-plus-quun-biopic-552783]

[5] Radio-Canada. (2025). Florent Vollant: Innu - Une biographie musicale. Retrieved from [https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/16404297/florent-vollant-innu-biographie-musicale]

[6] Place des Festivals. (2025). Maten. Retrieved from [https://www.placedesfestivals.com/en/artists/maten]

[7] Place des Festivals. (2025). Shauit. Retrieved from [https://www.placedesfestivals.com/en/artists/shauit]

[8] Présence autochtone. (2025). Manitou Singers. Retrieved from [https://www.presence-autochtone.com/en/artists/manitou-singers]

[9] CBC News. (2025). Florent Vollant: Innu documentary shows the singer's strong connections with his family. Retrieved from [https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/florent-vollant-innu-documentary-shows-the-singer-s-strong-connections-with-his-family-1.6404300]

[10] Cinema du Musée. (2025). Bring Them Home. Retrieved from [https://www.cinemadumusee.qc.ca/en/films/bring-them-home]

1. The arts sector, especially in Montreal, is thriving, as seen in the Présence autochtone festival.
2. The festival showcases contemporary Indigenous music, with performances like Maten and Shauit.
3. Maten, an Innu folk-rock band, performs on Saturday at Place des Festivals.
4. Shauit, a rising star in the Indigenous music scene, takes the stage on Friday at Jardins Gamelin.
5. The Manitou Singers perform daily during the festival, fostering a sense of sharing and peace.
6. Florent Vollant: Innu, a biographical feature film directed by Isabelle Longnus, is a poignant exploration of an influential Indigenous singer-songwriter's life.
7. Isabelle Longnus describes Florent Vollant as a quiet strength, sensitive, simple, and noble.
8. The documentary Florent Vollant: Innu takes viewers on a journey from Vollant's birthplace to the site of the former residential school.
9. The film delves into Vollant’s life, including a pivotal moment when he lost two important figures during filming.
10. The film is more than a standard biography; it's a vivid testament to the enduring influence of Indigenous heritage and the transformative power of music.
11. The festival's lineup also includes the intriguing film Bring Them Home, telling the story of the bond between Montana's indigenous people and animals.
12. Bring Them Home is shown on Thursday at Cinema du Musée.
13. Florent Vollant: Innu premiered at the Montréal First Peoples' Festival in August 2025.
14. The film illustrates themes of resilience and cultural survival, showcasing how Vollant’s music has become a powerful vehicle for Indigenous identity and healing.
15. The documentary not only tells the story of an artist's career but also his commitment to preserving his language and his family.
16. The film's premiere was covered by various media outlets, including CBC News and Radio-Canada.
17. In addition to music, the festival also offers a wide range of events related to education and self-development.
18. Books on personal growth, mindfulness, and social media are available for attendees to explore.
19. The festival serves as a platform for career development, with workshops on skills training, goal-setting, and job search.
20. The housing market, investing, wealth management, and venture capital are also topics covered at the festival, catering to small business owners.
21. The festival highlights the swift shift towards renewable energy and sustainable practices in industries like manufacturing and transportation.
22. The aviation industry is also represented, with discussions on the role of technology in the future of air travel.
23. Finance, banking, and insurance, as well as fintech, are also emphasized at the festival, offering insights into personal and business finance management.
24. The stock market, private equity, and debt management are discussed in depth, providing valuable guidance for entrepreneurs and investors.
25. Saving and budgeting strategies are also shared during the festival, aimed at helping individuals and small businesses manage their financial resources effectively.
26. The festival presents a diverse lineup, promoting diversity and inclusion in all sectors, from entertainment and fashion to sports and pop culture.
27. The WNBA, sports betting, basketball, and NCAA basketball are part of the sports-related events at the festival.
28. The festival is an opportunity for attendees to connect with celebrities, enjoy movies and TV shows, and even participate in sci-fi and fantasy-themed activities.
29. Overall, the Présence autochtone festival celebrates Indigenous culture and identity while fostering business growth, personal development, and community building.

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