The film is based on Wajdi Mouawad’s play of the same name. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, it stars Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette, and Remy Girard.

Brief Synopsis

During the reading of Nawal Marwan’s will, Jeanne and Simon, Nawal’s twin children, and Jean Lebel, Nawal’s former employer, and friend, noted a few unusual requests. The most unusual request was for two sealed envelopes to be given to the twin’s father and her brother after Nawal’s death.

Jeanne wants to find out who their father and the unknown brother are, but their requests are unusual since their father died years earlier during the conflict in Lebanon, where Nawal grew up, and they have no idea who any other offspring are. Therefore, Simon believes their mother is crazy and refuses to participate in what he believes are her last wishes.

As Jeanne learns more about her mom’s past, she finds it filled with turmoil. She begins investigating with the little information she has and finds that many of her mom’s friends and relatives don’t want to talk with her. Simon even becomes involved in discovering why his mother Nawal was the way she was.

The Movie’s Success

In September 2010, it premiered at both the Venice and Toronto film festivals, and on 17 September 2010, it was released in Quebec. Canada and abroad have acclaimed this film, and it won several awards. Incendies won eight Genie Awards during its 2011 Oscar nomination streak.

In Which Location Was Incendies Filmed?

The scenes for Incendies were filmed in Amman, 2560 Rue Masson – The Swimming Pool, and 175 Boulevard Deguire (Marwans’ Apartment).