Antigone

Antigone, written and directed by Sophie Deraspe, who also served as cinematographer, reimagines Sophocles' ancient Greek tragedy of the same name in present day Montreal, centered on an Algerian immigrant family, starring Nahéma Ricci. The film had its world premiere at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, winning the Best Canadian Film award, and went on to win five Canadian Screen Awards including Best Motion Picture. It was Canada's official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards but did not make the ten film shortlist or reach the final nomination. The film holds a 95 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Who it's for: anyone curious about an adaptation that transplants an ancient Greek tragedy into a present day immigrant family, sweeping Canada's top film awards despite missing the Oscar shortlist. Who it's not for: viewers wanting a period accurate, text faithful adaptation, since the film moves the story entirely into the present.