What Are Our Years!

This documentary offers a powerful and unflinching look at the lives of incarcerated youth in Quebec. It delves into their experiences, motivations, and the harsh realities of the correctional system. Through direct interviews and observation, the film aims to shed light on the social issues that contribute to youth delinquency and the challenges faced by these young individuals.

"What Are Our Years!" was a significant and impactful documentary in Quebec cinema, recognized for its raw and honest portrayal of marginalized youth. It sparked important discussions about social justice, the juvenile justice system, and the conditions within youth detention centers. While it may not have received widespread international distribution, it holds a notable place in Canadian documentary filmmaking.

• Praised for its direct and empathetic approach to a difficult subject.

• Critiqued by some for its raw, unvarnished depiction of youth in conflict with the law.

• Considered an important social document by many Quebecois critics.

Google audience: Audience reception is difficult to gauge due to limited availability and older release date, but it is generally recognized for its significant social commentary.

Nominated for Best Documentary at the Genie Awards.

The film's title, "What Are Our Years!", is a direct translation of the French title 'Qu'est-ce qu'on attend pour être heureux ?', which itself is a reference to a song by the popular Quebecois singer Robert Charlebois, though the film's subject matter is far from cheerful.