Phoenixes () is a Canadian drama film, directed and written by Jonathan Beaulieu-Cyr, and released in 2024.Charles-Henri Ramond, "Phénix en avant-première au FCVQ". Films du Québec, September 2, 2024.
Synopsis In the mid-2000s, Joël Girard (Maxime Genois), a charismatic and endearing soldier in the Canadian military, is about to be deployed to Afghanistan. His wife and son, Michelle (Evelyne Brochu) and Jacob (Aksel Leblanc), must learn to live with this new reality: this new mission comes with real risk. In an effort to get closer to Jacob, Joël starts coaching his soccer team, the Phoenixes. Despite his efforts, a rift will grow between him and his son.Geneviève Bouchard, "Tournage du film Phénix : du bar laitier à la base militaire". Le Soleil, September 14, 2023.
Production This is Beaulieu-Cyr's first feature film as an individual, having previously codirected the docudrama Mad Dog Labine (2018) with Renaud Lessard.
Jonathan Beaulieu-Cyr wrote the screenplay based in part on his own experiences as the son of a soldier who fought in Afghanistan.Cédric Bélanger, "Phénix: fils de soldat, le cinéaste Jonathan Beaulieu-Cyr racontera le départ de son père pour l’Afghanistan". Le Journal de Québec, November 9, 2022.
The film was shot in fall 2023, in and around Quebec City.Alexandre Caputo, "Sur le plateau du film «Phénix»: la réalité des militaires vue par la famille". Le Journal de Québec, September 14, 2023.
The cast also includes Alexandre Landry, Rosemarie Sabor, Francis La Haye, Maxime Desjardins-Tremblay, Charles Fournier, Étienne Lou, Nadia Girard Eddahia and Stéfanelle Auger in supporting roles.
Distribution The film had its world premiere at the Quebec City Film Festival (FCVQ) on September 13, 2024,"PHÉNIX de Jonathan Beaulieu-Cyr présenté en avant-première au FCVQ". CTVM, August 22, 2024. where it won a Special Mention from the Jury for Best First Fiction Feature. It was later also screened in the Borsos Competition program at the 2024 Whistler Film Festival.Janet Smith, "Hunting Matthew Nichols and Kryptic among B.C. contingent as Whistler Film Festival unveils Canadian entries". Stir, October 28, 2024.
The film was released in Quebec on August 22, 2025.
Awards Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Quebec City Film Festival 2024 Best First Feature Film, Special Jury Mention Jonathan Beaulieu-Cyr Whistler Film Festival 2024 Best Director of a Borsos Competition Film Gail Johnson, "Whistler Film Festival announces 2024 award winners". Stir, December 10, 2024. Best Cinematography in a Borsos Competition Film Ariane Falardeau St-Amour Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma 2025 Gilles Carle Award Jonathan Beaulieu-Cyr Charles-Henri Ramond, "Phénix remporte le prix Gilles-Carle". Films du Québec, March 1, 2025. Prix Iris 2025 Revelation of the Year Aksel Leblanc Fanny Bourel, "Une langue universelle en tête des nominations du Gala Québec Cinéma". Radio Canada International, October 7, 2025. Prix collégial du cinéma québécois 2026 Best Feature Film Jonathan Beaulieu-Cyr Charles-Henri Ramond, "Phénix remporte le PCCQ 2026". Films du Québec, March 30, 2026.
References
External links