This unique academic hub aims to encourage exchanges and partnerships between those involved in the practice of film in Quebec and those dedicated to the study of cinema, while fostering the future of the next generation. Like the series Au coeur du cinéma québécois (presented at Savoir média), hosted by Denis Héroux (seasons 1 to 4) and Isabelle Raynauld (seasons 5 to 11), the Observatory intends to open a space for dialogue between the artisans and the next generation of filmmakers. Founded in 2007 by André Gaudreault and Denis Héroux, the Observatoire du cinéma au Québec was officially launched in February 2010.

The Observatoire du cinéma au Québec encourages dialogue between the practice and study of cinema, while promoting interaction between these two spheres.

Seeing that the study of film had found its way into many Quebec high schools, the OCQ decided to broaden its scope by producing a video and teaching kit for senior high school students entitled Le rythme au cinéma. This project, presented by the OCQ, was funded by the CinéMédias Laboratory's Programme de recherche sur l'expérience cinématographique (CINEX) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council's (SSHRC) Connexion program, outreach component, as part of the project Au rythme de nos écrans: études cinématographiques, éducation aux médias et recherche intersectorielle en contexte québécois (2020-2021).

In a few words, the Observatory is:

• a bridge between the Quebec film community and the university film studies community;
• a laboratory for reflection on the work of film production and distribution;
• an environment conducive to the study of cinema as an artistic expression of Quebec culture;
• a place devoted to understanding the changes affecting cinema with respect to new technologies;
• a tool for deepening the understanding of the role of cinema in our society;
• a meeting and exchange point for the various Quebec universities that offer film studies programs.

In the pursuit of its mission, the Observatoire du cinéma au Québec is an exceptional showcase for cinema in Québec and a unique crossroads for meetings and exchanges between the communities involved in the study and practice of cinema.

In this sense, the Observatory organizes activities for students so that they can have experiences that go beyond the usual school curriculum: screenings, conferences, film club, debates, talks, symposiums, film lessons, the television series Au coeur du cinéma québécois (Savoir média), etc. In addition, the Observatory is developing collaborations with several festivals in Québec. For more information on the upcoming activities of the Observatoire du cinéma au Québec, follow us on social media.