Babine (film)

Babine is a 2008 Canadian fantasy-drama film written and directed by Luc Picard, based on the novel Le Petit Maître tanneur by Fred Pellerin. The film is the first in a trilogy of films inspired by Pellerin's stories, followed by Dédé, Through the Mist and Ésimésac.

The film tells the story of Babine, a naive and gentle simpleton living in a small, isolated Quebec village during the early 20th century. He is considered the village idiot and is often the subject of ridicule. Babine's life is forever changed when he is wrongly accused of a crime and sets out to prove his innocence, encountering a series of fantastical and allegorical events along the way. The narrative blends elements of folklore, magical realism, and social commentary.

Babine is notable for its unique visual style, incorporating stylized sets, costumes, and makeup to create a dreamlike and exaggerated version of rural Quebec. The film explores themes of innocence, prejudice, and the power of community. It was a critical and commercial success in Quebec and received several award nominations.