Montreal · Cinema
Gilles Villeneuve Becomes a Legend in Montreal: CINEMANIA's Red Carpet Thrills for Its Hero
On Monday, November 9, the gala of the 32nd CINEMANIA at the Théâtre Maisonneuve hosted the Montreal premiere of “Villeneuve: The Rise of a Legend”, by Yan Lanouette Turgeon, with Rémi Goulet and Rosalie Bonenfant. A star-studded red carpet, in theatres November 11.
Montreal (Canada), November 10, 2026. There was a crowd, on Monday evening, November 9, on the red carpet of the Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts. The gala of the 32nd CINEMANIA, presented by Crave, hosted the Montreal premiere of “Villeneuve: The Rise of a Legend” — and Montreal thrilled for its hero, Gilles Villeneuve, nearly half a century after his exploits.
A hero becomes a legend
Directed by Yan Lanouette Turgeon, from a screenplay by Daniel Roby and Guillaume Lonergan, the film dives back into the journey of Gilles Villeneuve, an unforgettable figure of motor sport. Rémi Goulet takes on the challenge of playing the driver; Rosalie Bonenfant plays Joann Villeneuve, the champion's wife, who could not attend the evening. Around them, a choice cast: Patrice Robitaille, Anick Lemay, Luc Picard, Fabien Cloutier, Hubert Proulx and Étienne Galloy. Mélanie Villeneuve, the driver's daughter, joined the celebration.
CINEMANIA's red carpet
The photographers were kept busy: film personalities and members of the CINEMANIA jury followed one another in front of the cameras, including Évelyne Brochu, Pier-Luc Funk, Marc Labrèche, Antoine Olivier Pilon, Eddy de Pretto and Karin Viard. A gala evening worthy of the man — and a foretaste for audiences: “Villeneuve: The Rise of a Legend” opens in theatres across Quebec on November 11, while CINEMANIA continues in Montreal until November 15.
In practice
Gala : Monday, November 9, 2026, Théâtre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts, Montreal — gala of the 32nd CINEMANIA, presented by Crave
The film : “Villeneuve: The Rise of a Legend”, by Yan Lanouette Turgeon; with Rémi Goulet (Gilles Villeneuve) and Rosalie Bonenfant (Joann Villeneuve)
Theatrical release : November 11, 2026, across Quebec
The festival : CINEMANIA continues in Montreal until November 15, 2026
