113 minutes – Drama
Language: French, English subtitles
Festival release date: September 2024 – TIFF
Release date: November 15, 2024
Production companies: micro_scope, Avenue B Productions
Canadian distributor: Maison 4:3
International distributor: Pyramide International

Aspirant écrivain, Mathyas troque sa vie montréalaise de jeune publicitaire pour celle de berger en Provence. Le chemin vers la quiétude pastorale tant désirée est toutefois jonché de durs labeurs. La visite d’Élise, une fonctionnaire ayant cavalièrement quitté son boulot, donne une nouvelle direction à la quête de Mathyas. Ensemble, ils s’engagent dans une transhumance. Traversés par les épreuves de la montagne, avec un troupeau à leur charge, ils vont se façonner une vie nouvelle.

Sophie Deraspe’s sixth feature film, Bergers, aka Shepherds, is adapted from the semi-autobiographical novel D’où viens tu, berger? by Mathyas Lefebure. The central character, named Mathyas, is an aspiring writer, who has left a career as a young advertising executive in Montreal to become a shepherd in Provence, France. The path to the pastoral tranquility so desired, however, is strewn with hard work. The visit of Élise, a civil servant who has cavalierly left her job, gives a new direction to Mathyas’ quest. Together, they engage in a transhumance. Crossed by the trials of the mountains, with a herd in their care, they will shape a new life for themselves.

Also see: TIFF 2024: The Québec Connections.
NOTE:  Bergers, aka Shepherds, was named Best Canadian Feature Film at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.