Phil Comeau is a successful Acadian filmmaker and author who has directed and written more than 100 films and television programs.
His works have been filmed in more than 23 countries and have received more than 40 awards in Canada, the United States, France, Belgium and Italy. In addition, Mr. Comeau has been nominated for the Gémeaux, Gemini, Génie, Eloizes and DGC Awards.
He moved to Moncton in 1974 and began studying drama at the l’Université de Moncton. In 1976, he started directing his first professional films with the Moncton studio of the National Film Board.
His cinematographic successes include the first Acadian feature film, Le secret de Jérôme, which was recently selected as a Canadian film classic. Mr. Comeau also directed the first Acadian film for children, Le tapis de Grand-Pré, and the first Acadian comedy, Les gossipeuses. His recent film, Ron Turcotte, jockey légendaire, earned the best film award at the international film festival in Palermo, Italy.
In addition to film, he has directed many Acadian series including La Sagouine, which has become a bestselling DVD in Canada.
He has also filmed several popular series including Emily of New Moon, Lassie, Pit Pony, Risk Takers, Mayday and his Quebec series, Tribu.com.
He has received many honours for his work including the Order of Canada, Chevalier de l’Ordre des arts et des lettres de la France, the Ordre des francophones d’Amérique, and the Order de la Pléiade, the Prix Acadie-Québec and the Prix France-Acadie. The Université de Moncton awarded him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his film and television work and his support for the national and international promotion of Acadian cinema.
Phil Comeau is receiving the Order of New Brunswick for his dedication in portraying the rich and vibrant Acadian and Francophone culture through dozens of his films.