PRESS KIT
HERBY
Herby
a film by Antoine Bergevin Richer
Documentary | 90 minutes | 2026
Specs
Language: French with English ST
filming: 4k - color
ratio scope | 5.1 sound
DCP - ProRes - H264
filming country: Canada (Quebec)
country of action: Canada (Quebec)
#race #nascar #family #redemption

Logline
Herby breaks free from a troubled past by attempting the impossible: becoming a race car driver in the legendary NASCAR Canada Series.
Short Synopsis
At 53, Herby decides to revive a long-buried dream: becoming a race car driver in the legendary NASCAR Canada Series. An ambitious project for a simple mechanic trying to make his mark in a world dominated by money.
Despite undeniable talent, Herby was still young when he was forced to abandon his dream due to a lack of resources. Recruited to make deliveries for a criminal network connected to the racing world, he agrees to play a dangerous game that lands him in prison. During this period, he develops a strong dependence on drugs and alcohol, eroding his relationships with family and friends.
Throughout his chaotic journey, his passion for racing remains intact. Meeting his wife Anna marks a turning point in his life. With the support of loyal friends, the couple does everything they can to participate in the NASCAR circuit.
The documentary follows Herby during his first season as a driver, exploring his hopes, past wounds, reunions, and challenges. The film paints a portrait of a man seeking redemption and the courage it takes to achieve it.
Long Synopsis
At 53, Herby decides to revive a long-buried dream: becoming a race car driver in the legendary NASCAR Canada Series. An ambitious goal for a simple mechanic trying to make his mark in a world dominated by money.
In his youth, Herby stood out in local races. He was nicknamed Black Magic for his driving feats and because he was the only Black man competing in these stock car events. But for the 18-year-old young father, financial means were lacking, and his aspirations were quickly dashed.
Spotted by a criminal network connected to racing because of his exceptional driving talent, he agrees to make dubious deliveries in exchange for a higher wage than he earns at the family bakery. He then spirals into crime and addiction. Drugs, prison, family estrangement—Herby loses everything, including his bond with his daughters, his loved ones, and his self-confidence.
Despite it all, his passion for racing remains intact, and his interest in automotive mechanics persists. With the help of his friend Vick, he establishes himself in the NASCAR world as a mechanic, eventually becoming a team leader. Charismatic and respected, he slowly rebuilds himself.
The arrival of Anna in his life marks a turning point. Thanks to her unwavering support and love, Herby finally regains sobriety. The couple starts a forklift repair business, which allows them to save just enough money to enter the NASCAR Canada Series.
The documentary follows Herby on this late and transformative journey: his first season as a NASCAR driver, reunions with old friends, past wounds, hopes, and disappointments. Some bonds of trust are repaired, while others are irreparably broken.
Through each lap on the track, the film explores a journey of redemption where racing becomes a metaphor for life: to push forward, crash, rebuild… but also to forgive, to forgive oneself, and to be forgiven.
Cast
Herby Drescher
DIRECTOR - BIO
Son of an actor and a director, Antoine was drawn at a very young age to the frenetic energy of film sets. A versatile videographer, he first honed his craft in corporate web video before dedicating himself to lightweight cinematography on travel shows such as Partir autrement en famille and En marge du monde for TV5, as well as documentary series like Comment ça va le nord? for ICI Explora. Simultaneously, he began his career in directing with the motorsports show Zone VL. After a series of collaborations with the production company Vital Productions, producer Serge Desrosiers entrusted him with directing HERBY, his first feature-length film. He is currently developing his next feature film, a docu-fiction, with Vital Productions.
DIRECTOR'S WORD
I approached the HERBY project like walking into a beautiful boutique where the items are perfectly displayed to be showcased; a colorful and engaging character with a unique quest that we can follow in real time. Perfect! "We've got a great short film here!" I exclaimed to my producer.
Except that the beautiful boutique had, in the back, a small hidden door leading to a huge, dark, and dusty back room, where the real treasures were stored. That's where the work truly began… Having the opportunity and the time to explore the back room of a person or a subject, to better understand and appreciate what is displayed in front, is, for me, the essence of the documentary approach. And I am grateful to have been able to fully experience it for my first film.
Director's filmography
First film
PRODUCER - BIO
Producer Serge Desrosiers is behind the documentaries Mon Oncle Patof (2021), Amour Cougar (2017), and Lise Watier: Une Vie à entreprendre (2014), as well as Renée Beaulieu's film Habiter la Maison (2024). As a cinematographer, he has been a leading figure in the Quebec film industry for 30 years. He frequently lectures, notably at the American Film Market Association and Ciné-Québec. He has served on the boards of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television and the Canadian Society of Cinematographers.
Producer's filmography
LES CHRYSALIDES, feature documentary, in production, 2026
LE PETIT BRÛLÉ, feature documentary, in post-production, 2026
TIGHT LETTUCE, feature film, in post-production, 2026
HERBY, feature documentary, in post-production, 2025
UNE DERNIÈRE CICATRICE, feature documentary, 2025
AU PIED DU MUR, feature documentary, 2025
MARCHE AU PAYS RÉEL, feature documentary, 2024
HABITER LA MAISON, feature film, 2024
PACIFIC BELL, short film, 2022
MERRY SWISSMAS, feature film, 2022
GRO$ LOT, short film, 2022
MON ONCLE PATOF, mid-length documentary, 2021
BICHE & LOUVE, short film, 2020
THE CROWN: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ADRIANO GOLDMAN, mid-length documentary, 2020
ANGE & OVNI, short film, 2018
AMOUR COUGAR: BEYOND THE MYTH, mid-length documentary, 2017
12 SEMAINES, short film, 2016
LISE WATIER: A LIFE OF ENTERPRISE, feature documentary, 2015
Team
Directed by Antoine Bergevin Richer
Screenplay - Antoine Bergevin Richer and Sandrine Béchade
Editing - Antoine Bergevin Richer
Production - Serge Desrosiers
Director of photography - Frédérick Breton and Serge Desrosiers csc
Musical composition - Rioux, Stock
Sound - Studio Expression - Jérôme Boiteau
Sound design and mixing - Studio Expression - Jérôme Boiteau
Contact
International Distribution and Sales
Elisabeth Dumouchel
Distribution Manager






