Synopsis
This documentary describes the activities of Chic Resto Pop, a restaurant in Montreal’s Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district that provides underprivileged customers with inexpensive meals thanks to surpluses donated by local merchants. Tahani Rached films the restaurant’s employees. To the rhythm of the music, their truth is expressed.
A word from Tënk
Someone once asked illustrator Sempé what fascinated him most about people, and he replied, “their courage, their dreams, and their determination to try to make it.” Sempé would no doubt have been charmed by the protagonists of Au Chic Resto Pop, a film by Tahani Rached. They show us how, with imagination and mutual support, bruised food—and bruised lives—can be transformed into meals to be shared. With tenderness and humour, the filmmaker sensitively highlights the challenges faced by residents of the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighbourhood. Through their personal “solos,” they reveal their creativity, and we can’t help but want to be part of their gang. This ode to solidarity is truly uplifting.
Christine Chevarie
Filmmaker
