The crazy dream of a platform entirely dedicated to author-driven documentaries has its roots in Ardèche, France, in the small town of Lussas, affectionately called the “Documentary Town.” For more than 30 years, Lussas has hosted a major European documentary festival: “Les États généraux du documentaire.”

Today, Lussas is an international reference in its field. In this village of 1000 inhabitants, more than 40 people work within 10 different organizations, which covers the entire chain of the documentary industry: courses, production, distribution, broadcasting and international activities as well.

Two Quebecers worked in Lussas, in turn, in 2016 and 2017. A strong desire to implement Tënk in Quebec emerged as soon as they got involved in the project in France. They had been dreaming of such a tool for a long time, a tool that would showcase independent documentaries, while focusing on individual choices from curators passionate about the films.

Back in Quebec, they developed a solidarity cooperative to get the project off the ground. Thus, Tënk.ca is an independent society, with complete editorial freedom. This does not prevent the team from relying on the resources and expertise developed by their colleagues in France. This is an incredible opportunity, made possible by the sharing of a political, social and artistic goal: the defence of author-driven documentary and free thought.

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