an acadian village transformed by immigration

We talk a lot about immigration in cities, but what about rural regions? Moreover, This is what Julien Cadieux explores in his new documentary the hands of the world. Consequently, The Shediac filmmaker goes to meet immigrant workers who have transformed the face of the Cap-Pelé community. For example, offering a sensitive look at community solidarity and the art of “living together”.

Melody. In addition, Berenice and Fabien, workers from the Philippines, Mexico and Jamaica, in the hope of a better life, have all chosen to settle in Cap-Pelé. Meanwhile, They do not only lend a hand in seafood processing factories. In addition, they weave links with Acadians, found families and contribute to the well-being of the community. Meanwhile, This is how Julien Cadieux wanted to shed new light on immigration to the rural region. Nevertheless, Being a Shediac citizen, he sees demography changing acadian village transformed immigration for several years.

“Suddenly. Moreover, we see bikes, pedestrians, which we did not necessarily see, apart from the tourist season, because often temporary foreign workers move by bike. Similarly, Then then, I was quite fascinated to see how in a village like Cap-Pelé, it really changed the dynamics. Moreover, ”

If he chose this municipality. it is because of the important migratory wave due to the concentration of factories, but there are certainly parallels to be made with other coastal localities in Acadia, estimates the director. He spent a lot of time in the municipality in order to discover stories and meet new arrivals.

“I think the project was also my way of communicating with these people who came from elsewhere who are installed here. then have an idea of their reality.”

He chose these stories because he saw in them a desire to settle in the region. There is acadian village transformed immigration also that of an Acadian, Sylvio, who married a Mexican, thus being a new family. These are very inspiring stories of courage and determination that Julien Cadieux tells us. The filmmaker also went to the school of the municipality in order to see how integration takes place. discuss the challenges of the survival of the French language in a context of globalization.

The spirit of mutual aid

The documentary highlights the spirit of mutual aid in the community. solidarity between Acadian families and immigrant workers.

«[…] I think there is still something of the acadian cooperative movement, of this spirit of mutual aid that remains. ”

Acadian families have welcomed workers as members of their own family. For the Philippinese entrepreneur. Melody, who arrived in the country with $ 200 in his pocket, now as a couple with Jason Landry, this spirit of mutual aid was very important in his acadian village transformed immigration career. For their part. Fabien (Jamaica) and Bérénice (Mexican) were welcomed in the residence of Terry and Marie, a couple of Acadians who quickly serve as substitutes.

“There is a teacher who told me” you know. in Cap-Pelé, there is no one who will leave you in misery “,” says the filmmaker.

We also see this cooperative. community impulse in several Acadian localities, even if the world changes, notes the filmmaker who made documentaries everywhere in the Atlantic. He wanted to present a positive point of view. another face of immigration, instead of dwelling on the working conditions of immigrants, a subject that has already been addressed in other documentaries.

“I wanted to positivate the thing too because we hear a lot of negativity. people who will say” Ah, they come to steal our jobs “,” he raises.

“There is a whole anti-immigration speech that takes place in the United acadian village transformed immigration States. I wanted it to be also a celebration of difference, a celebration that people who have also chosen to come and settle here, some do it more through work, others have really been established, which adds a good color to the community.”

Dance and music also occupy an important place in the film. In an innovative way. he revisits Acadian music, such as the sweet apple tree in a Mexican banda version, working is too hard in Tagalog and the Reel of Sainte-Anne interpreted by a troupe of Philippin dancers in the region. A great way to create bridges.

“They arrive with their culture which also enrich what we have to give. Then on our side, we also have a wealth to share. […] They had fun discovering Acadian artists. ”

The documentary is presented at first at the community. the participants, Sunday evening, in the Salle des Chevaliers acadian village transformed immigration de Columbus in Cap-Pelé. Produced by Bellefeuille Production. The hands of the world will be broadcast on Radio-Canada Acadie on August 16 and then available on Tou.TV.