Saguenay international
short film festival

Mrs. Sophie Beauparlant, president of the board of directors for Caravane Films Productions, the producers of REGARD Festival, announces the departure of its executive director Marie-Elaine Riou after a 10-year journey.


Riou took the reins of REGARD in 2015. She will officially leave her post next October having ensured a smooth transition between her and her successor. The 26th edition of the Festival, taking place from March 23 to 27 this year, will therefore be her last.

 

“This year marks an important turning point in my professional life. My time at REGARD has been more than just a job, it has been one of the most beautiful journeys of my life. For ten years, it has given me so much; an adventure that has allowed me to learn on all levels, make friendships and wonderful artistic discoveries. I am now ready for something new, something to fulfill my need for creativity and people with passion!” 

- Marie-Elaine Riou


Her path to REGARD

Having grown up in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, Marie-Elaine went to Spain to study film and became involved in a number of cultural projects. In 2009, she returned to Quebec to start a bachelor's degree in cultural and media production strategies at the Université du Québec à Montréal. After three years, she joined the Festival REGARD’s Marché du court team and as a programming assistant. In 2015, she became the organization's executive director in addition to being involved with the board of directors of organizations such as Promotion Saguenay, Culture Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and La Noce.


Marie-Elaine Riou has left an important mark on the organization and the short film industry. The growth of the REGARD Festival and its educational component, the event’s international influence and the consolidation of the team's expertise are among the many challenges she has met during her mandate.


“I have rarely seen a person shine like Marie-Elaine Riou! Such an exceptional and inspiring talent! It has been a privilege to have worked with her all these years. Her passion, as well as her diligent work in collaboration with the team and partners, ensures that she leaves behind an organization in excellent health. She will always be an ally of REGARD and we wish her the best of luck in her new challenges.”

- Sophie Beauparlant, President of the Board of Directors


Looking to the future, Marie-Elaine Riou wants to take advantage of the momentum of REGARD to realise other professional challenges in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean’s cultural sector. Before that, however, she aims to take full advantage of the 26th edition of the Festival which begins within a week.


Hiring application details will be posted later by the Caravane Films Productions team.

Photo: Tom Core 

News