Stanstead | The room that unites countries

With Donald Trump officially returning to the presidency of the United States and increasing threats against Canada, we present to you a unique place in the world that symbolizes the historic union between the two countries: the Haskell Opera Hall, next to the library of the same name, which becomes the Haskell cinema several times a month.

(Stanstead) The 400-seat room is divided by the Canadian-American border. To enter, you even have to take a few steps to our neighbors to the South, without needing to bring your passport! “It’s the only cinema where we can have our butts in the United States and our feet in Canada,” says programmer Danny Lennon.

While many people know about the binational library in Stanstead, in the Eastern Townships, fewer know that a former opera hall is located in the same building and that films are now shown there.

The stage is on the Canadian side and most of the seats are on the American side, in the state of Vermont.

Last Friday, moviegoers from both countries were able to see the fresco Shepherds by Sophie Deraspe. This Tuesday, we present the eighth award-winning feature film by Philippe Lesage, Like fire. Ticket cost: only five dollars!

During our family visit at the beginning of January, we marked the 40th^e birthdayPinotte butter operation with a screening of the legendary second film in the Tales for All series released in 1985.

Among the spectators, there was Brennan Dean, an American film buff delighted with his first visit to the Haskell cinema, he who is fond of historic cinemas, including the Rialto in St. Johnsbury and the Savoy in Montpelier, also located in Vermont.

We were amazed by his cinematic curiosity to see a Canadian children’s film that is 40 years old! Brennan saw similarities with The Goonies et Home Alone. “A good story!” “, he said.

It was through Facebook that the Vermonter learned that films were being shown in Derby Line, the American village neighboring Stanstead. He enjoyed walking into the library by mistake and hearing people speaking French. It’s a part of New England culture that isn’t embraced enough by its compatriots, he noted.

“I can’t wait to come back,” Brennan wrote to us by email a few days later. What a joy, this cinema: a place of wonder and enchantment. »

Among the crowd of around thirty spectators, there was also the actor Louis-David Morasse and his daughter Lauralou, who is also an actress and who studies cinema. The father and daughter had traveled to Montreal. “It’s magnificent,” the first exclaimed. It is a chance to have access to this heritage place which has been preserved as it was. »

A golden opportunity

Located at the end of Highway 55, Stanstead is “connected” by several streets to the American village of Derby Line. Without the border, there would probably not be two, but only one village.

Danny Lennon, a key figure in the world of short films in Quebec and founder of Prends ça court!, has a chalet not far away, in Ogden. It was he who simply suggested to the board of directors of the Haskell library and opera hall that they screen films and short films there. He hit hard on the first evening in August 2023, presenting the Quebec premiere of the drama War Pony (winner of the Caméra d’or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022), preceded by the short film 45th Parallel by Lawrence Abu Hamdan, filmed at the Haskell Library and Opera Hall.

Lennon is fascinated by the Victorian building inaugurated in 1904. It was a gift from the Haskell family (whose husband was American and wife Canadian) to the community to highlight the complicity between Canada and the United States. “It was on the road between Boston and Montreal,” Danny Lennon also recalls. By carriage! »

After the screening ofPinotte butter operationDanny Lennon was excited to draw our attention to the small details that make up the historic charm of the room: the original stage curtain which represents a landscape of Venice, the rows of first and second classes, the metal rods under the seats which allowed spectators to store their hats…

On the creaking wooden floor, a black ribbon marks the border between the United States and Canada. The small room where the popcorn machine is located also straddles the two countries. Before, this was where women went to untie their corsets.

Curtains have been added, a new projector purchased… “One thing at a time”, however, explains Danny Lennon to illustrate the pace at which he wants to take over the premises.

Danny Lennon loves seeing Americans and Canadians chatting after a movie or short films. “It’s a community and relaxed spirit,” he praises.

The feature film that attracted more crowds? The Substance, with Demi Moore who has just won a Golden Globe award for her striking performance. The one who led the most interesting discussions? The Apprentice, which paints a scathing portrait of young Donald Trump.

A community located on the border

In 2009, the daily lives of people who had always led a double life between Derby Line and Stanstead were turned upside down overnight when passports – or the now defunct Plus driving license – became compulsory for crossing the border by land.^⁠1. They were used to moving from one country to another without an official document, whether to go shopping or visit family.

Fortunately, the library has remained a symbol of friendship and unification between the two countries. Even former US President Barack Obama pointed this out in 2016 during an official visit by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the White House.

Danny Lennon hopes that the return of Donald Trump to the head of the United States will not change things. In the words of Brennan Dean, it’s beautiful to see how Canadians and Americans are “divided by countries but united by art” at Haskell cinema.

1. Read our report produced in Stanstead in 2009

Check out the Haskell cinema program