Rouyn-Noranda, August 26, 2010 – The organizing committee of the 29th Festival du cinéma international en Abitibi-Témiscamingue proudly announces that Robert Ménard’s full feature film Reste avec moi will have its world premiere screening on the opening night, Saturday, October 30. "This major Quebec filmmaker is doing us quite an honor. Ménard, who has given us Cruising Bar 1 and 2, is particularly appreciated by the people of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, where he is always welcome. Ménard won the Grand Prix Hydro-Québec twice with L’Homme de Rêve in 1991 and L’Enfant d’Eau in 1995,"says Festival President Jacques Matte. "It is an honor to open the Festival du cinéma international en Abitibi-Témiscamingue. The organizing committee and the public are passionate people. They are seasoned film buffs and know how to bring filmmaking into the light,"replies Robert Ménard.

Reste avec moi tells the story of individuals whose existence is shaken by pain, betrayal, adversity, but who come out stronger and with a better understanding of themselves and others after moving beyond suffering. "Reste avec moi is consistent with the overall spirit of the Festival, forward-looking and optimism-impregnated. Marvelously directed, this film brings Ménard’s ingenuity, skillfulness and proficiency to the fore while giving prominence to the actors’ talent and interpretation," continues Jacques Matte.Louis Morissette, Julie Perreault, Maxim Roy, Danielle Proulx and Gérard Poirier star in this feature film produced by Robert Ménard and Claire Wojas.

Tickets to the Festival’s opening night will be on sale starting September 16 at the following locations: Théâtre du cuivre in Rouyn-Noranda; Mag Music in Amos; Cinéma Capitol in Val-d’Or; Maison de la culture in La Sarre; and Intro Musique in Ville-Marie.