Watch Oscar® qualified MUSCAT on Omeleto

An audacious exploration of a young boy confronted with the discovery of his identity

Los Angeles, CA (December 10, 2024). MUSCAT is written and directed by Philippe Grenier. Muscat is a film about incommunicability, resilience, taboos and sexual awakening. The meeting between Samir and Louis is decisive: like a storm in his heart and body. He experiences strong feelings that are impossible to ignore. His attraction to Louis will push Samir to reveal a truth that has been deeply repressed until now. This deeply touching short film has qualified to be considered for the 97th Academy® Awards.

Logline: Samir, a 16-year-old fisherman, discovers his attraction towards men when he meets Louis. A tourist traveling Morocco with his wife. When Louis faces the worst, Samir is the only one who can help him.

Philippe Grenier is a multidisciplinary creator, director of Premier Trio’s tv series broadcasted on Radio-Canada. For which he won the Gémeaux Award for Best Directing and Best Youth Program in 2024. He directed his first short film in 2013  THE ENDLESS DAYS. 

The Official Short Film MUSCAT Directed by Philippe Grenier

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MUSCAT was inspired by a story told to Grenier by his grandmother. With the ending of the film mirroring the heartbreaking travel experience of her distant cousin. The director found it necessary to tell the story through the fictional character of Samir. A young homosexual-boy coming to terms with his sexuality in a country where gay individuals are still harshly under persecution. Grenier recognises his privilege, living in a country where he is free to love whoever he wants. He feels it is his goal to bring more divisive stories to the screen. And, to defend the rights of the LGTBQIA+ community.

MUSCAT recently won First Prize for the Breaking Boundaries Award at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. For films that celebrate the endurance of the human spirit and resilience in the face of injustice. Whilst also taking home the award for Best Narrative Short at Provincetown International Film Festival.

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This incredible film features phenomenally authentic performances by Ilyes Tarmasti, Mahmoud Zabennej and Alexandre Bergeron. The immersive cinematography is carefully a creation of Derek Branscombe.

The film is a production of Montreal-based production company Ô Films, headed by two female producers, Sophie Ricard-Harvey and Charlotte Beaudoin-Poisson. The daring duo do not hesitate to embrace sensitive and original content. They have produced other short films such as BRASIER directed by Emilie Mannering. FRIMAS by Oscar nominee Marianne Farley which hit the shortlist for the 2019 Oscars®.

This incredibly emotional and poignant film is in qualification, for consideration for the 2025 Oscars®. 

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