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It Could Only Happen Here

It Could Only Happen Here is an underground, DIY documentarian look at the behind-the-scenes history of one of Quebec's best-kept secrets: FME Festival. Nestled in the mountain town of Rouyn-Noranda, FME is an emerging music festival (now 20 years old) that mainly focuses on Canadian bands, still cutting their teeth, and a few bigger international headliners. The documentary features interviews with members of Chad Van Gaalen, Bonnie Trash, Tamar Aphek, Julie Doiron, OMBIIGIZI, Gus Englehorn, Balaklava Blues, and more. We also hear from the festival organizers, programmers, audio technicians, and venue managers about the majestic, artistic air present during this festival.

  • Stephan Boissonneault
    Director
  • Stephan Boissonneault
    Writer
  • Stephan Boissonneault
    Producer
  • Stephan Boissonneault
    Key Cast
  • Gus Englehorn
    Key Cast
  • Jenny Thibault
    Key Cast
  • Marilyne Lacombe
    Key Cast
  • Elizabete Balčus
    Key Cast
    Jaunais Norm, My Father The Spy
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 14 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    September 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English, French
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital DSLR
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Cinema Public
    Montreal
    Canada
    September 23, 2023
    North American Debut (Private)
  • Cinémathèque québécoise
    Montreal
    Canada
    January 19, 2024
    Public Montreal Run
Director Biography - Stephan Boissonneault

Stephan Boissonneault is a freelance music journalist and aspiring documentarian who got his visual DIY start by filming protest events for Concordia University's CUTV, in Montreal, QC. Soon after, he decided to make a small short about FME music festival in Rouyn-Noranda that eventually morphed into his feature documentary debut.

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Director Statement

There is nothing quite like the FME festival. My goal with this first film is to shed light on one of Quebec's best kept secrets and hopefully give some international credit to some of the wonderful bands and people who make it what it is.