Terriens film premiere proves to be a smashing success in Montreal

George's opening speech at the World premiere of Terriens in Montréal

The world premiere of Earthlings in French, “Terriens”, was a smashing success last Friday night with more than 750 people squeezing into the theatre at UQAM. The ambiance was definitely full of love and excitement. Besides Georges Laraque, special guests included 2 other Montreal Canadiens; Maxim Lapierre and Michael Cammalleri.

Special NHL guests Maxim Lapierre and Michael Cammalleri

The event started with a sneak preview of “Unity” the sequel to Earthlings which is slated to air this Spring. The 3 minute trailor shows nothing more than 2 cows waiting in single file to be stunned at the slaughterhouse.

A door lifts and the worker comes and hits the first cow with an electric prod to move him into the next room. The remaining cow, hearing the noises of what is happening to his comrade, backups and starts trying to turn around to get out, but can’t, because he is stuck in this narrow passage. The look in his eyes says it all “I am scared and don’t want to die”.

I brought 10 amazing friends to this event whom were all open-minded to see how animals suffer for food, pets, fashion, entertainment and medical research. Most of them confessed to Unity being more powerful than actual images of animals being slaughtered because it explored the connection between human and animal consciousness.

Vegan food pyramid: Recommended by the Dietitians of Canada

At the end of the film when viewers were now convinced that, they too, must become vegetarian, Georges did what I thought was excellent. He brought out his nutritionist Anne-Marie Roy who gave a presentation on vegan diets.

Not only did she dismiss many myths like protein deficiency etc., she then showed how the top North American nutritional organizations like the Dietitians of Canada and the American Dietetic Association not only recommend vegan diets but state that they actually prevent many illnesses like colon cancer, diabetes, kidney stones, heart disease and so on.

Environmental destruction due to meat production

Carl Saucier-Bouffard, an Oxford grad and Professor of Ethics, from the Vegetarian Association of Montreal and representative for the Green Party of Canada gave a passionate speech on how meat production is destructive to the environment. Did you know that meat production including transport and food is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions then all human transportation put together?

Meatless Monday's are an excellent way to give up meat progressively

For those who felt overwhelmed by vegetarianism, Carl Saucier-Bouffard gave an informative presentation on Meatless Monday’s (les lundis sans viande) to help introduce vegetarianism slowly to those who are interested.

George Laraque giving away an autographed jersey

After the presentations, a draw was held for chic, cruelty-free Matt & Natt purses and hand bags, hockey tickets and of course, autographed hockey jersey’s.

Musique Plus interviewer states he too has been vegetarian for 3 years

Lots of local media showed up. The best was when the interviewer from Musique Plus (French Canadian MTV) told George Laraque how much of an inspiration he was to him and that he too has been vegetarian for 3 years! Amazing!

Director and Producer, Shaun Monson, autographs "Terriens" poster

Shaun Monson, the director and producer of Earthlings (Terriens) flew in from LA for the event. Here he is autographing posters for fans.

Georges Laraque autographs Terriens DVD for fan

For those wishing to purchase it, Earthlings is available for sale in both English and French. For those who live in Montreal, regular free screenings are supposed to happen in town thanks to Georges Laraque. Free Earthling screenings will be posted here.