Jean-Yves Bigras
Encyclopedia
Jean-Yves Bigras was a Canadian film director
and film editor, considered a pioneer in Quebec Cinema. Bigras studied first at the University of Ottawa
and then at Queen's University
. From 1939 to 1942 he served in World War II
as part of the RCAF
. When he returned to Canada he became one of the first French Canadians to be hired by the NFB
and worked there as an editor until 1948. He was then hired to work in Renaissance Éducationnel, the children's education film section of Renaissance Films Distribution. It was here that he got to work on his first feature film Le gros Bill (1949) co-directing with René Delacroix. Bigras moved on to direct three feature films himself, including La petite Aurore l’enfant martyre (1951), a big hit with audiences and a staple of Quebec Cinema. In 1953 he began working for Radio-Canada where he became one of its principal directors until his death in 1966.
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
and film editor, considered a pioneer in Quebec Cinema. Bigras studied first at the University of Ottawa
University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is a bilingual, research-intensive, non-denominational, international university in Ottawa, Ontario. It is one of the oldest universities in Canada. It was originally established as the College of Bytown in 1848 by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate...
and then at Queen's University
Queen's University
Queen's University, , is a public research university located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Founded on 16 October 1841, the university pre-dates the founding of Canada by 26 years. Queen's holds more more than of land throughout Ontario as well as Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, England...
. From 1939 to 1942 he served in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
as part of the RCAF
Royal Canadian Air Force
The history of the Royal Canadian Air Force begins in 1920, when the air force was created as the Canadian Air Force . In 1924 the CAF was renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force and granted royal sanction by King George V. The RCAF existed as an independent service until 1968...
. When he returned to Canada he became one of the first French Canadians to be hired by the NFB
National Film Board of Canada
The National Film Board of Canada is Canada's twelve-time Academy Award-winning public film producer and distributor. An agency of the Government of Canada, the NFB produces and distributes documentary, animation, alternative drama and digital media productions...
and worked there as an editor until 1948. He was then hired to work in Renaissance Éducationnel, the children's education film section of Renaissance Films Distribution. It was here that he got to work on his first feature film Le gros Bill (1949) co-directing with René Delacroix. Bigras moved on to direct three feature films himself, including La petite Aurore l’enfant martyre (1951), a big hit with audiences and a staple of Quebec Cinema. In 1953 he began working for Radio-Canada where he became one of its principal directors until his death in 1966.
Selected filmography
- L’esprit du mal (1954)
- La petite Aurore l’enfant martyre (1951)
- Les lumières de ma ville (1950)
- Le gros Bill (1949) (co-directed with René Delacroix)