Twenty-year-old Montreal filmmaker Xavier Dolan is creating a sensation. Not only among critics, but also at the box office.

His debut feature J'ai tué ma mí¨re (which translates as I Killed My Mother) opened in ten theatres last week and hit the number one spot on the Canadian domestic film charts with its gross of $171,405 (during the week of June 5 to 11).

During the June 12 weekend, the film grossed $43,241 (only about $2,000 less than the debut of Away We Go, which grossed $45,639), and was number 18 on the international box office charts in Canada.

The French-language drama (with comedic moments) centers on the struggles between 16-year-old artistic pothead Hubert (played by Dolan) and his tacky, kétaine mother (Anne Dorval). Tensions worsen when Hurbert's mother discovers he's in a gay relationship.

The film has garnered favourable reviews for its emotional maturity and has also been compared to C.R.A.Z.Y., another critically acclaimed Quebecois coming-of-age family drama that focuses on a gay son.

Meanwhile, Waterlife, a documentary about the environmental dilemma facing the Great Lakes, opened in two theatres, drawing $5,738 and charting at number two. (The film will open in Vancouver in July.)

Jennifer Baichwal's documentary Act of God, which opened in Vancouver, drew in $4,368. Meanwhile, Dédé managed to pull in $2,000 even though it was only playing in one theatre, outperforming Mothers&Daughters, playing in three theatres.

Gone from the domestic top five are Adoration, Fierce Light: When Spirit Meets Action, and 40 is the New 20.

Here are the top film in Canada for the week of June 5 to 11. For the past weekend's box office results, see the chart in the righthand column.

Top Canadian films

1. J'ai tué ma mí¨re ($171,405, 10 theatres)
2. Waterlife ($5,738, 2 theatres)
3. Act of God ($4,368, 2 theatres)
4. Dédé, í  travers les brumes ($2,000, 1 theatre)
5. Mothers&Daughters ($1,601, 3 theatres)

Top international films in Canada

1. The Hangover
2. Up
3. Land of the Lost
4. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
5. Terminator Salvation
6. Angels & Demons
7. Star Trek
8. Drag Me To Hell
9. My Life in Ruins
10. X-Men Origins: Wolverine