François Girard was born in Saint-Félicien, Québec in 1963. He first began making video art and has since produced more narrative works and music videos for Canadian recording artists. In 1984, he co-founded Zone Productions with Bruno Jobin and later, Velvet Caméra. His works include: Das Brunch (1983), Distance (1984) for which he received First Prize at Vancouver's Under Fire Festival. Le Train (1985) winner of the Best Editing Award at the Première semaine internationale de vidéo Genève en 1985, Fog Area (1986), Neprespana Noc (1986) winner of the best production Award at the Festival Vidéo CD 85, Monsieur Léon (1986), Mourir (1988), Suspect No. 1 and Vie et mort de l'architecte (1989). In 1990, he directed the adaptation of the show Le dortoir from the dance company Carbone 14. In 1990, he directed his first feature film, Cargo. His second feature, 32 Short Films about Glenn Gould (1993) was widely acclaimed by public and press alike. This film received immediate success around the world and won 4 Genie awards, including one for Best Film. In 1998, he finished the ambitious The Red Violin, winner of eight Genie awards and nine Jutra awards.