What if one of your loved ones was a member of a secret society? Phil Comeau’s gripping documentary L’Ordre secret (The Secret Order, NFB) coming to New Brunswick theatres this December.

Phil Comeau’s latest feature documentary, L’Ordre secret (The Secret Order), will be shown at Cineplex Cinemas Dieppe (both in its original French version and with English subtitles) starting December 2 and at the Cinéma du Centre de Caraquet starting December 9. Theatrical screenings in other towns in New Brunswick and elsewhere in Canada will be added in the new year. In this NFB production, the filmmaker shines a spotlight on the Ordre de Jacques-Cartier, a powerful secret society that operated from 1926 to 1965, infiltrating every sector of Canadian society and forging the fate of French-language communities. It was a battle that continues to resonate today.

This theatrical release follows the film’s world premiere at the Festival international du cinéma francophone en Acadie (FICFA), where it earned a special mention from the jury and won the audience choice award. Phil Comeau will be present at the December 9 and 10 screenings at the Cinéma du Centre de Caraquet, and will take part in a Q&A after the film.

What the media are saying

“An ambitious and necessary film. It paints a stunning portrait of the social and political struggles of Canadian francophone-minority communities. This work arrives at the right time, given the current political context in New Brunswick.” – Sylvie Mousseau, Acadie Nouvelle

“A fascinating, moving, and important film! It brings up a lot of emotions. If you like a good story the way I do, you’ll love it!” – Isabelle Craig, Lève-tôt, ICI Première

“This reminder of a not-so-distant past resonates with the news of the day.” – Damien Dauphin, Le Moniteur Acadien

About the film

L’Ordre secret (The Secret Order) by Phil Comeau (85 min)
Produced by Christine Aubé for the NFB’s Quebec, Canadian Francophonie and Acadian Documentary Studio in Moncton, in collaboration with Unis TV
Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/the-secret-order

Phil Comeau shines a spotlight on the Ordre de Jacques-Cartier, a powerful secret society that operated for nearly 40 years, infiltrating every sector of Canadian society. Having learned that his father was a commander in the Order, the filmmaker launches a fascinating investigation into the group. Comeau raises the curtain on the shadowy men who forged the fate of French-language communities through never-before-heard testimony from former members, along with historically accurate dramatic reconstructions.

About the filmmaker

Seasoned storyteller, director and screenwriter Phil Comeau is known for his ability to reveal his subjects’ emotions and their soul—in both his documentaries and his dramas. Comeau has directed some 100 films and TV episodes, which have been seen and won awards in dozens of countries.

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French version here | Version française ici.

The NFB is Canada’s public producer and distributor of award-winning documentaries, auteur animation, interactive stories and participatory experiences, working with talented creators across the country. The NFB is taking action to combat systemic racism and become a more open and diverse organization, while working to strengthen Indigenous-led production and gender equity in film and digital media. NFB productions have won more than 7,000 awards, including 12 Oscars. To access this unique content, visit NFB.ca.