Sophie Deraspe facts for kids

Sophie Deraspe (born October 27, 1973) is a Canadian filmmaker from Quebec. She is known for being a director, a writer (or scenarist), a director of photography, and a producer. This means she is involved in many parts of making a movie.

Deraspe is a key figure in modern Quebec cinema. She is famous for her award-winning 2019 film Antigone. This film was inspired by an ancient Greek play but tells a modern story. She also made the well-known 2015 documentary The Amina Profile. Her work often explores the line between what is real and what is fiction.

In 2020, she was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the group that gives out the Oscar awards.

Early Life and Career

Sophie Deraspe grew up in Quebec, Canada. She first studied visual arts in Austria. Later, she studied French literature and film at the Université de Montréal.

After finishing her studies, she started working on movie sets. She learned from other famous Quebec directors like Philippe Falardeau and André Turpin. She also worked as a director of photography, which means she was in charge of how the movie looks on camera. These experiences helped her become a great filmmaker.

Major Films and TV Shows

Sophie Deraspe has directed many interesting films and television series. Her stories often make people think about important ideas.

First Feature Film: Missing Victor Pellerin (2006)

Deraspe's first major film was Missing Victor Pellerin. It's a mystery about a painter who suddenly disappears. The film was shown at the famous Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Critics liked its clever and playful style, calling it a "mind game" and a "little gem of astonishing ingenuity."

Vital Signs (2009)

Her second film, Vital Signs, tells the story of a young woman who volunteers to care for people at the end of their lives. The film was praised for its powerful acting and beautiful camera work. It won more than 15 awards at film festivals around the world, including in the United States, Germany, and Russia.

The Wolves (2014)

The Wolves is set on the Magdalen Islands in Quebec. The story is about a young woman who moves to the island and tries to fit into a community of seal hunters. The film won an award for Best Film from an international group of film critics at the Torino Film Festival.

Documentary: The Amina Profile (2015)

Deraspe also directs documentaries. Her film The Amina Profile tells the true story of an online hoax that fooled people around the world. It premiered at the famous Sundance Film Festival and won awards for Best Documentary at several festivals. Critics called it "powerful, brilliant... extremely well constructed."

Award-Winning Film: Antigone (2019)

Antigone is one of Deraspe's most famous films. She was inspired by a 2,500-year-old Greek play by Sophocles. She updated the story to modern-day Montreal.

The film is about a teenage immigrant named Antigone. After a family tragedy, she must make a difficult choice between following the law and protecting her family. The film won Best Canadian Film at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival. It was also chosen as Canada's entry for the Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film.

Television Work

Deraspe has also created successful TV shows. Her 2021 series Dark Soul (Bête noire) won four Gémeaux Awards, including Best TV Drama Series and Best Director. The show was so popular that it was sold to be broadcast in the USA, Australia, France, and other countries.

Her next series, Motel Paradise, follows a young woman investigating her sister's mysterious death.

Filmography

Director and Writer

• 2006: Missing Victor Pellerin (Rechercher Victor Pellerin)
• 2009: Vital Signs (Les signes vitaux)
• 2014: The Wolves (Les Loups)
• 2015: The Amina Profile (documentary)
• 2019: The Seven Last Words
• 2019: Antigone
• 2024: Shepherds (Berger)

Director (TV series)

• 2021: Dark Soul (Bête noire)
• Motel Paradise

Selected Awards

Sophie Deraspe has won many awards for her work. Here are some of the most important ones for her film Antigone.

See also

• List of female film and television directors
• List of LGBT-related films directed by women