Friends of the Mountain, in collaboration with Funambules Médias as part of the Cinema Under the Stars festival, will present three free outdoor documentary film screenings on Mount Royal. Held at the Beaver Lake area, these evenings invite audiences to reflect, beneath the stars, on the major issues shaping our relationship with nature, forests, and cities, while celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mount Royal Park and the 40th anniversary of Friends of the Mountain.
The three films were selected for their close connection to the organization's mission and ongoing work. Into the Forest (Dans la forêt) by Pascale Ferland explores the tension between protecting and exploiting forests, a topic that echoes Friends of the Mountain's daily efforts on Mount Royal. Chronicle of a City (Chronique d'une ville) by Nadine Gomez examines our relationship with shared urban spaces, reinforcing the idea that the mountain is both a natural ecosystem to preserve and a shared place to enjoy responsibly. Urban Forests (Forêts urbaines) by Anne-Marie Rocher highlights citizen-led and Indigenous greening initiatives across Canada, reflecting the ecological conservation efforts championed by Friends of the Mountain.
The screenings will take place at the Beaver Lake area of Mount Royal Park. Admission is free, registration is recommended, and the events are open to audiences of all ages. The screenings will be held outdoors, rain or shine, with registered attendees notified in the event of exceptional weather conditions.
Film synopses
Into the Forest (Dans la forêt) - Pascale Ferland
Through intersecting and sometimes contradictory stories, this documentary paints a portrait of a world where the desire to protect forests coexists with the drive to exploit them. Against the backdrop of climate change and the sixth mass extinction, it quietly reminds viewers of the urgent need to preserve the fragile balance between humanity, wildlife, and plant life.
Chronicle of a City (Chronique d'une ville) - Nadine Gomez
This contemplative documentary unfolds through a series of encounters, moving between fantasy and reality. It reminds us that we shape the city just as much as it shapes us, inviting viewers to see urban life as a shared emotional landscape that encourages human connection despite the isolation of modern life.
Urban Forests (Forêts urbaines) - Anne-Marie Rocher
From Montréal to Vancouver, this documentary showcases inspiring citizen and Indigenous initiatives that are restoring nature to urban environments. It demonstrates how urban forests can improve quality of life, help combat climate change, and inspire greener, more equitable, and more vibrant communities.
About Cinema Under the Stars
Cinema Under the Stars is a Montréal documentary film festival dedicated to socially and politically engaged cinema. Each screening is accompanied by discussions with filmmakers and experts, encouraging audiences to explore the important issues raised by the films.
About Friends of the Mountain
Founded in 1986, Friends of the Mountain is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing Mount Royal through environmental education, conservation initiatives, and community engagement. Their mission is to preserve the mountain as both a natural sanctuary and a cherished public space for future generations.
