More than 340 films from 75 countries were screened during the 29th edition of the Montreal World Film Festival. In contrast to Toronto, which is a festival of festivals, Montreal is a competitive festival encouraging submissions from first-time film directors and giving large prizes. Conceived by its founder director Serge Losique 'as the Cannes film festival of North America', the Festival de Films du Monde has more than fulfilled its founder's dream, and is extremely popular with both filmmakers and the public at large. Sadly, in part because of the single-mindedness of its director, the festival has lost two of its sponsors and is facing as difficult future. Using a Chinese proverb as his mantra, profusely thanking his remaining sponsors, and the always-supportive Montreal public, Monsieur Losique announced that the 30th edition would take place from August 24th to September 6th 2006. 'Thirty four countries have already committed to supplying films,' he said shyly leaving the limelight.

Ireland was again underrepresented at this years festival. The Mighty Celt, funded by Bord Scannán na hÉireann and the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission, marks the sure-footed directorial debut of writer Pearse Elliott. 'With its understated message of peace, good humour, and a magical performance by newcomer Tyrone McKenna, The Might Celt enchants', said John Griffin of the Montreal Gazette. All three screenings were well attended, and Lynn Doyle of the CineGael Film Society felt 'that with proper handling this film could be a financial success in North America. We definitely want to screen it in our next season'. In addition to McKenna's performance, Scotsman Robert Carlyle, and Gillian Anderson of X-Files fame captivate.

Shot in London last January, and shown in World Premiere in at the festival, Red Mercury, an independent British film from Inspired Movies of London, played to standing-room only audiences. Red Mercury is a main ingredient in 'dirty bombs'. 'MI5 were fascinated by the film's title, and asked for a special screening,' said screenwriter Farrukh Dhondy. 'We had that screening on the 6th July, the day before the London bombings. The intelligence officers asked me how I knew the properties of Red Mercury; I have an advanced degree in chemistry. We knew that London would probably be the target of a terror attack; we didn't know when'. Three disaffected young British Muslims are in the final process of making a portable bomb when they are waylaid by intelligence forces. On the run and on foot they rush into the nearest open building, a crowded restaurant. Directed by BAFTA winner Roy Battersby (Cracker), the film owes a big debt to Dog Day Afternoon. The cast, which includes Juliet Stevenson, Pete Postlethwaite, and Stockard Channing, are stellar.This film should easily find world distribution.

Several films in official competition at the festival dealt with the exploitation of women by their societies: Bab el Makam (Passion), a French-Tunisian-Syrian co-production, is the true story of Imane, a mother of three children who becomes interested in traditional music. Her taxi driver husband is supportive, as are her children. However, her uncle, the family leader, is not; this results in tragedy. Imane's ritual murder is still unsolved. Your Name is Justine, a Luxembourg-Polish production, deals with the horrendous practice of human trafficking. Marking the directorial debut of Venezuelan-born Franco de Pena, and dealing with forced prostitution, this film is so graphic in its depiction of violence as to be at times unwatchable. The film also marks the international debut of Anna Cieslak. As Mariola, a young Polish girl bored with factory life in her small town, Ms Cieslak ignites the screen. Mariola reunites with her former boyfriend Arthur (Matthieu Carriere) and journeys with him to Frankfurt by way of Berlin. Pleading fatigue, Arthur drives to 'a friend's apartment' to rest before continuing the journey. There Arthur is contacted by three shady characters, and sells Mariola into prostitution. Ms Cieslak talked with me following the film: 'This problem is far more prevalent than reported in the media,' she said. 'With regards to my performance, I simply trusted Franco.'

Helmed by veteran festival programmer Moritz de Hadeln, who has run both the Berlin and Venice film festivals, the New Montreal Film Festival has not been supported by the public. Some screenings have been attended by as few as ten viewers. Perhaps this bodes well for M. Losique and the original festival.

Anthony Kirby