Roland Smith - Compagnon des arts et des lettres du Québec
On June 10, 2024, Roland Smith received the insignia of the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec, a prestigious distinction bestowed to personalities whose exemplary achievements reflect the artistic and literary development of Quebec. Discover the tribute paid to him by the Council.
Roland Smith led Québec out of the Grande Noirceur (the great darkness) by encouraging the public to visit dark rooms. He invented repertory cinema through bold, eclectic programming, the quality of which met the expectations of film insiders without sacrificing the popular dimension of an art that then was experienced in communion, and that remained accessible.
From Cinéma Empire to Films d’aujourd’hui, from the Outremont to Cartier, from the Boîte Noire to Superclub Vidéotron, from Famous Players to Cinéplex Odéon and from festival to festival, Roland Smith has cultivated generations of film lovers. Whether in Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke or Trois-Rivières, he brought films to the public and created memorable encounters between filmmakers and audiences.
Over the past 60 years, film has changed, video clubs have closed, and theatres have been transformed, but Roland Smith hasn’t lost a photogram of his legendary passion. His distribution company is still active, and the audience he developed carries it in its heart and its memories.
About the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec
The Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec This link will open in a new window is a distinction of the Council which aims to honor people who have made a remarkable contribution, through their commitment and dedication, to the development, promotion or influence of the arts and letters of Quebec. .
The Council would like to thank its partners, the Caisse de la Culture and the newspaper Le Devoir.
Discover the other recipients This link will open in a new window
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