A former commander’s son shines a light on the inner workings of the mysterious Ordre de Jacques-Cartier.
Founded in 1926, the Ordre de Jacques-Cartier became a powerful secret society for the defense of the interests of French Canadians. With over 72,000 members, the Order quietly infiltrated government, business, media and civic organizations for nearly four decades. When filmmaker Phil Comeau discovers that his own father was a commander in the organization, he embarks on a deeply personal investigation to uncover its inner workings. Featuring rare testimonies from former members, expert analysis and striking re-enactments of secret rituals, The Secret Order sheds light on the clandestine network that shaped Canadian society from the shadows. In retracing his father’s mysterious past, Comeau offers a compelling exploration of identity, resistance and the fight for cultural survival in francophone-minority communities.
The Secret Order, Phil Comeau, offert par l'Office national du film du Canada