The third feature film from the director of Exit 67, denouncing the systemic racism within the Montreal police force.

By: Charles-Henri Ramond

Photo of Iman Ayorinde and Hasani Freeman in the drama “The Draft” by Jephté Bastien
in the drama « The Draft » (Jephté Bastien, 2025)

The Draft is a drama directed by Montrealer of Haitian origin Jephté Bastien, the director of Exit 67 in 2010 (Genie Award’s Claude Jutra Award) and Vortex in 2016.

Shot in Montreal in 2021, the film follows the destinies of two young people of African descent, shattered by police brutality. Bastien – who is also the producer, screenwriter, editor, and composer of the music – draws on the history of the Coloured Hockey League to illustrate the legacy left by Black hockey players in the history of this sport, so emblematic of Canada. Infusing his social drama with elements of an anxiety-inducing thriller, he also intends to denounce the systemic racism within the Montreal police force and wishes to “open a dialogue, inspire reflection, and invite everyone to ask themselves how they want to contribute to a more just world.”

The Draft (titled La cible ultime in its French-subtitled version) was screened at a few pan-Canadian festivals in the fall of 2024, including the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival in Toronto, where it won the award for Best Film. Premiering in Quebec on February 18, 2025, as part of Black History Month, the film is scheduled for release in a Montreal theater in June 5th, 2025.

Synopsis
Montreal, 2009. Jack, a young Québécois of African descent, is on the verge of breaking into the NHL when he is violently assaulted by four hooded men. The injuries to his leg force him to end his dreams. Ten years later, he is married to Rachel and eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first baby. But his illegal activities force him to navigate a world of corrupt cops and dangerous traffickers. For his part, his younger brother Will has only one hope: to also make it into the NHL. He is supported in this by his girlfriend, Jade, and his loving mother, Grace. Jack’s world suddenly collapses when he learns that Will has been shot and killed by two white police officers, who are already known to internal affairs for their recurrent misconduct and racist attitudes.

©Charles-Henri Ramond

Cast
Iman Ayorinde (Jack), Hasani Freeman (Will), Denya Normil (Jade), Darragh Mondoux (Erika), Matthew Alan Taylor (Rice), Dolce Sebareme (Rachel), Phyllis Gooden (Grace), Gio Lione (Joe), Charles Landry Casimir (Jimmy), Alex Gravenstein (Brian), David La Haye (Robert Museau), Dave Campbell (John), Lisa McCormack (Officer D. Soleil), Emilio Ferreira (Police Officer), Genti Bejko (Police Officer), Martyne Musau (Zenzali), Javier Villarreal (Police Officer), Sebree Laurie (Thief #1), Calder Levine (Officer)

Technical Details
Genre: Drama – Origin: Québec, ©2025 – Runtime: 1h45 – Original Language: English – Rating: 13 years and older (violence) – Format: Color – Filming: in 2021, in Montreal – Approximate Budget: $1.5-2 M – Quebec Theatrical Premiere: February 16, 2025, Cinéma du Musée – Release Date: February 26, 2025 on 1 screen in Montreal

Direction: Jephté Bastien – Screenplay and Dialogue: Jephté Bastien – Production: Jephté Bastien – Executive Producer: Samuel Bikai – Associate Producers: Moise Bastien, Josa Maule, Franckedline Francin, Louis Desparois – Production Company: Productions Ajoupa with the financial participation of Telefilm Canada and SODEC, and federal and provincial tax credits – Distribution: Biks Distribution

Technical Team – Costumes: Shannon Muir – Art Direction: Logan Fulford – Makeup: Fabiola Lamarre – Editing: Jephté Bastien – Music: Jephté Bastien – Music Direction: Harold Faustin – Cinematography: Alexandre Bussière – Sound Recording: Louis Desparois