MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCTION
Client: St-Mathieu-du-Parc Sugar Shack
Maple Products in Quebec
I directed a documentary exploring the production of maple syrup and its derivatives—such as butter and wine—at a sugar shack in the heart of Quebec, Canada, owned by a multi–award-winning couple. The film guides the audience through the entire maple-making process, from tapping the trees to bottling the wine, while celebrating the warmth, passion, and charm of its owners.
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Brief
The owners of the sugar shack in St-Mathieu-du-Parc welcome thousands of visitors each summer eager to learn about maple syrup production. To guide them through every step of the process—which begins in the coldest months of winter—I was commissioned to create a visually engaging documentary that chronicles the production journey, offering summer visitors a unique and immersive insight into the craft.
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Filmmaking Strategy
I filmed at the sugar shack two days per month from February to May, capturing each step of the process—from tapping the trees to producing maple wine. Drawing on my documentary experience, I worked to make the owners feel at ease in front of the camera, filming them naturally in their environment. Their passion, warmth, and genuine spirit bring a radiant energy to the film.
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Distribution
The film is shown multiple times daily at the sugar shack, reaching the 200+ daily visitors they welcome each summer. It offers guests an immersive glimpse into their craft, highlighting every aspect of maple syrup production. The visit is even recommended in the renowned travel guide, Le Routard.
Behind the scenes
Shooting outdoors in Quebec in February was certainly a challenge, yet the breathtaking scenery, the warmth of the sugar shack owners, and the cinematic charm of their work made this four-month shoot an absolute delight.
