The Pichenotte () is a Canadian short black comedy film, directed by Antoine Boulanger and released in 2026.Juliette Fournier, "Un étudiant montréalais remporte un Oscar". La Presse, August 10, 2026. The film stars Hugo Giroux as Stéphane, a grim reaper whose mission is confounded when he meets Huguette (Carmen Sylvestre), an elderly woman who is ready and willing, yet persistently unable, to die.Fanny Bourel, "La « rage de créer » d’Antoine Boulanger, en lice aux Oscars du cinéma étudiant". Ici Radio-Canada, July 25, 2026.
The cast also includes Michel Courtemanche and Roger Ouellette in supporting roles.Claude Plante, "Un jeune réalisateur se démarque avec la comédie noire La Pichenotte". CKOY-FM, July 9, 2026.
Made as Boulanger's student project while studying film at Concordia University, the film was inspired in part by his father, who has struggled with his mental health and undertaken more than one suicide attempt.Adam Nayman, "A young Canadian just won a top film award for his comedy about death. An Oscar could be next". Toronto Star, September 21, 2026. Its title derives from Stéphane making his decisions about life or death with the flick of a finger, as in the game of pichenotte.
It was shot in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu in 2024.Kim Valiquette, "Un court métrage tourné à Saint-Jean en lice pour un prix prestigieux". Le Canada Français, August 11, 2026.
The film premiered in April 2026 at the Sherbrooke World Film Festival, and was later screened in the Fantastic Weekends of Quebec Cinema program at the 30th Fantasia International Film Festival.
Awards Award Date of ceremony Category Nominee(s) Result Sherbrooke World Film Festival 2026 Prix Pierre-Javaux Antoine Boulanger Audience Choice Student Academy Awards Narrative Films Competition Jeremy Kay, "Academy execs eye big picture as 2026 Student Academy Awards celebrated at TIFF". Screen Daily, September 15, 2026.
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