Title: New Documentary Explores the Fall of the Montreal Expos

A new documentary titled "Who Killed the Montreal Expos?" delves into the story of the first Canadian major-league baseball team, which ceased operations in 2004. The film, directed by Montreal writer Jean-François Poisson, presents a narrative reminiscent of classic detective stories, where the audience is invited to uncover the reasons behind the team's demise.

The documentary had its world premiere on Thursday at the Festival du nouveau cinéma in Montreal. It is scheduled for another screening on Sunday at 12:15 p.m. at the Quartier Latin cinema, featuring English subtitles for viewers who may not speak French. Following the festival, the film will be available for streaming on Netflix starting October 21.

Unlike traditional whodunnit tales, the documentary does not provide a neat resolution. Instead, it examines various figures associated with the Expos' decline. Key individuals include Jeffrey Loria, an American art dealer who became the managing partner in 1999, and his stepson David Samson, who took on the role of executive vice-president that same year. The film also highlights Claude Brochu, who led the local ownership group that purchased the team in 1990, and former Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard, who declined to support a new stadium for the franchise.

Poisson aims to piece together the complex factors that led to the Expos' folding and their eventual transformation into the Washington Nationals. The documentary serves as a reflection on the team's legacy and the impact of various decisions made by those in power during its final years. As the film unfolds, it invites viewers to consider the broader implications of the Expos' story within the context of sports and community identity.