The short film An Extraordinary Person, released in 2013, marked the directorial debut of Monia Chokri and secured the Prix Jutra for Best Live Action Short Film at the 16th Jutra Awards. Based in Canada, Chokri operates as a screenwriter, film editor, director, and actor within the national industry, sustaining a consistent professional output since graduating in 2005.
Early Career and Education
Born in Quebec City in 1982, Chokri pursued formal training at the Conservatoire d'art dramatique de Montréal, completing her studies in 2005. Her family background includes a mother of Scottish descent and a Tunisian father with Berber roots. Following her graduation, she established herself in the Montreal theatre scene before transitioning into film roles directed by Québécois filmmakers.
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Chokri gained significant exposure through her involvement in films presented at the Cannes Film Festival. She appeared in Denys Arcand’s 2007 film Days of Darkness and took a notable role as Marie in the 2010 film Heartbeats, directed by Xavier Dolan. This performance led to her inclusion on the Les Inrockuptibles list of top actresses of the year. Her filmography includes roles in Laurence Anyways, Heal the Living, and Ravenous, alongside television appearances such as her role in Nouvelle adresse between 2014 and 2015.
Directorial Development
Transitioning behind the camera, Chokri wrote and directed her first feature film, A Brother's Love, which premiered at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. She continued to manage dual roles in production, notably in the 2022 film Babysitter, where she served as director and portrayed the character Nadia. This work earned her a nomination for Best Lead Performance at the 11th Canadian Screen Awards in 2023. She also directed and wrote the 2023 feature The Nature of Love.
Recent Projects
Chokri remains active as of 2025 with multiple projects in production. These include appearances in Love Me Tender as Sarah, Out of Love as Nicole, Where Souls Go as Ève, and Love Letters. The film Out of Love is scheduled to compete for the Crystal Globe at the KVIFF. She remains a member of the Union des artistes, continuing to work within the Canadian film sector.
Fast facts
- Born: 1982, Quebec City
- Citizenship: Canada
- Education: Conservatoire d'art dramatique de Montréal (2005)
- Debut as director: An Extraordinary Person (2013)
- Notable acting role: Heartbeats (2010)
- Professional membership: Union des artistes
Questions readers ask
What is Monia Chokri's primary occupation?
She works as a screenwriter, film editor, actor, and film director.
Has she received awards for her filmmaking?
Yes, she won the Prix Jutra for Best Live Action Short Film for An Extraordinary Person in 2013.
Achievements
- Notable work: Laurence Anyways
- Notable work: Heartbeats
- Worked as actor, film director and screenwriter
