Latest news with #NationalFilmBoardofCanada
Hamilton Spectator
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Historic discovery brings Inuit filmmakers' animation to life after half a century
A group of 13 Inuit filmmakers who created 58 animated short films (shorts) in the 1970s will now have their work available for public viewing for the first time after the films were rediscovered, restored, and digitized by the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). The shorts were created during a six-week training workshop in Kinngait, formerly known as Cape Dorset, between 1972-1975. The program provided training and equipment to many Inuit artists and musicians which led to the creation of the Sikusilarmiut Animation Studio in Nunavut. The films are now contained within seven digitized film reels available for streaming free of charge on the website, a half-century after they were made. While 17 of those films, created by six of the filmmakers were included in Canada's official program at the Cannes Film Festival in 1974 at Animafest Zagreb, the remaining 41 were never released. In a news release, the NFB credits curator Camilo Martin-Flórez with discovering the films and recognizing how they represent a 'landmark chapter in Indigenous cinema' at the NFB in both scale and significance. The NFB credit the films with marking the emergence of the first New Wave of Inuit animation from Nunavut. The 13 artists whose films have been published include: Aoudla Pudlat, Arniak Pingwartuk, Ituli Etidloie, Ishohagitok E Tugat, Itee Pootoogook, Kanayuk Pootoogook, Mathew Joanasie, Opik Pitseolak, Papirak Pudlalik, Peter Pitseolak, Pitaloosie Saila, Salomonie J Pootoogook and Timmun Alariaq. Several blogs were written on the films by Martin-Flórez, including The Forgotten Reels of Nunavut's Animation Workshop (Beginnings) and (The Legacy). A documentary made in 1976 about the Cape Dorset animation workshop can also be found on the NFB website. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Canada Standard
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Canada Standard
Stream Canadian with the NFB this June: Celebrate National Indigenous History Month.Special programming also highlights Pride Month.
June 2, 2025 - Montreal - National Film Board of Canada (NFB) In June, keep streaming Canadian on the NFB's platforms! We're celebrating National Indigenous History Month with three new releases showcasing the strength and resilience of Indigenous people: Ossie Michelin's Feather Fall , about an iconic moment of Indigenous resistance filmed in Mi'kmaq territory; , about an iconic moment of Indigenous resistance filmed in Mi'kmaq territory; Alanis Obomsawin's My Friend the Green Horse , where an animal from the filmmaker's dreams embodies the spirit of kindness and a celebration of life; , where an animal from the filmmaker's dreams embodies the spirit of kindness and a celebration of life; and Christopher Auchter's The Stand , which recreates the moment when the Haida Nation took a stand for the future. June is also Pride Month in Canada: Special themed channels and blog posts will mark these important historic and cultural commemorations. In addition, more new releases will be available online: Serville Poblete's King's Court , an intimate look into the lives of two young men in Toronto's Bleecker Street neighbourhood; , an intimate look into the lives of two young men in Toronto's Bleecker Street neighbourhood; and the seven short films produced by the NFB in tribute to the 2025 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards (GGPAA) laureates. Remember, is home to more than 7,000 streaming films and a collection of over 100 interactive works. MARKING NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH Starting June 2 Feather Fall by Ossie Michelin (2024, NFB) Documentary (22 min 57 s) / Press kit The film revisits Mi'kmaq territory, where an iconic moment was captured in 2013-igniting into a symbol of Indigenous resistance and halting fracking exploration on unceded lands. Starting June 9 My Friend the Green Horse by Alanis Obomsawin (2024, NFB) Animation (11 min 20 s) / Press kit Often feeling alone in her waking life, the young Alanis Obomsawin found friendship with the Green Horse, a benevolent being she visited regularly in her dreams. Together with other animal spirits, the Green Horse guided Alanis to realize the immensity of the gift of life and the power of kindness. Starting June 19 The Stand by Christopher Auchter (2024, NFB) Documentary (94 min 33 s) / Press kit Drawn from more than a hundred hours of archival footage and audio, Christopher Auchter's riveting new feature doc recreates the moment when the Haida Nation took a stand for the future. This award-winning film has been an official selection at several festivals in Canada, the United States and the UK. To date, the NFB has produced or co-produced more than 460 works by First Nations, Inuit and Metis filmmakers , one of the largest online collections of Indigenous-made films , exploring stories beyond those of the historically dominant culture. English Collection Curator Camilo Martin-Florez has written a two-part blog post entitled "The Forgotten Reels of Nunavut's Animation Workshop." It explores one of the most captivating and intricate chapters of Indigenous filmmaking at the NFB: the 58 films made by 13 Inuit filmmakers at a 1972 workshop in Kinngait (then known as Cape Dorset), Nunavut. The films have been retrieved, restored, digitized and made available for free on to celebrate this National Indigenous Heritage Month. Learn more: Part 1 and Part 2. NEW ONLINE RELEASE Starting June 17 King's Court by Serville Poblete (2025, NFB) Documentary (19 min 59 s) / Press kit An intimate look into the lives of two young men navigating life, love, friendship and family in Toronto's Bleecker Street neighbourhood. The film had its world premiere at the Hot Docs film fest. MARKING PRIDE MONTH Starting June 27 Parade: Queer Acts of Love & Resistance by Noam Gonick (2025, NFB) Documentary (96 min) / Press kit The film captures pivotal moments of the activism that sparked Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ movement. The film launched in April at Hot Docs, where it was voted a top ten audience favourite. The original English version of the documentary will be launched on TVO's digital channels at 9 a.m. (EDT) on June 22, and broadcast on TVO at 9 p.m. (EDT). Themed channel This selection of close to 50 short and feature-length doc and animated films continues to grow, with recent additions like A Mother Apart by Laurie Townshend, as well as important films dating back to the 1990s, including Forbidden Love: The Unashamed Stories of Lesbian Lives by Aerlyn Weissman and Lynne Fernie. CELEBRATING THE 2025 GOVERNOR GENERAL'S PERFORMING ARTS AWARDS (GGPAA) LAUREATES Starting June 14 at 9 p.m. (ET) For the 17th year, the NFB is bringing together acclaimed filmmakers to create seven short cinematic tributes to Canadian performing arts legends, as the GGPAA gets set to honour laureates at their Awards Gala, taking place June 14 at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. The short films will also be available on the NFB's streaming platforms, CBC Gem and ICI starting on that date at 9 p.m. Tara Johns directed five shorts and Monique LeBlanc, two. Find more details here. A detailed press release will be issued on June 14. The GGPAA short films from previous years are available here. - 30 - Stay Connected Online Screening Room: NFB Facebook | NFB Twitter | NFB Instagram | NFB Blog | NFB YouTube | NFB Vimeo Curator's perspective | Director's notes About the NFB
Canada Standard
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Canada Standard
The NFB at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. An opening-night film, three shorts in official competition, activities at the film market and more.
May 28, 2025 - Montreal - National Film Board of Canada (NFB) The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is back at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival (June 8-14), with a strong presence throughout the event. Three NFB short films have been selected for the official competition, including the eagerly awaited The Girl Who Cried Pearls ( La jeune fille qui pleurait des perles ) by the Oscar-nominated duo of Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski ( Madame Tutli-Putli ). It will screen as a world premiere on the festival's opening night. The NFB will also be taking part in the Annecy International Animation Film Market (MIFA). The NFB at the 2025 Annecy festival The Girl Who Cried Pearls ( La jeune fille qui pleurait des perles ) by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski (opening-night film, official competition, world premiere) Two other films in official competition: Bread Will Walk ( Le pain se lve ) by Alex Boya and Hairy Legs ( Poil aux jambes ) by Andrea Dorfman MIFA: Telefilm Canada / NFB networking event and panel on Canadian animation, with Suzanne Guvremont, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the NFB, in attendance SHORT FILMS - OFFICIAL COMPETITION The Girl Who Cried Pearls (La jeune fille qui pleurait des perles) by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski (NFB, 16 min) - OPENING-NIGHT FILM AND WORLD PREMIERE Press kit: First screening: Sunday, June 8, 8:30 p.m. (Short Films Official 1) A haunting fable about a girl overwhelmed by sorrow, the boy who loves her, and how greed leads good hearts to wicked deeds. The film was presented at a Work in Progress at Annecy in 2023. With the voice of: Colm Feore. Original Music: Patrick Watson. Sound Designer: Olivier Calvert. Artistic Director: Brigitte Henry. Bread Will Walk by Alex Boya (NFB, 11 min 18 s) Press kit: First screening: Friday, June 13, 3:30 p.m. (Short Films Official 6) A devoted sister flees with her brother, a benevolent, bread-turned zombie. A mob pursues, mouths agape. Streets twist into mazes, reason dissolves, hunger reigns. Can love defy appetite? The film was just featured as part of the Directors' Fortnight in Cannes. Actor Jay Baruchel voices all the characters in the original English version. Hairy Legs (Poil aux jambes) by Andrea Dorfman (NFB, 17 min) Press kit: First screening: Wednesday, June 11, 3:30 p.m. (Short Films Official 4) Deciding not to shave her legs at 13 led a young Andrea Dorfman to question and ultimately defy society's expectations. The film received an Honourable Mention for the DGC Award for Best Canadian Animation at the Ottawa International Animation Festival (2024). MIFA Telefilm Canada / NFB networking event: Canada, Your Next Animation Partner Tuesday, June 10, 7 to 9 p.m. This soiree will underscore the presence of Canadian animation at Annecy and provide opportunities to develop new partnerships. With Suzanne Guvremont, NFB Chairperson, and Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada, in attendance. By invitation only. Panel - Investing in the Future: Canadian Animation at the Forefront Wednesday, June 11, 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. This panel will bring together leaders from the Canadian animation industry as well as filmmakers presenting their projects. With Suzanne Guvremont of the NFB and filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, among others, in attendance. WOMEN AND ANIMATION, 10 YEARS Thursday, June 12, 5:30 p.m. Affairs of the Art (L'art dans le sang) by Joanna Quinn (Beryl Productions International Ltd/NFB, 2021, 16 min 23 s) How to Be at Home ( la maison) by Andrea Dorfman (NFB, 2021, 4 min 51 s) HONORARY CRISTAL RECIPIENT JOANNA QUINN The NFB congratulates filmmaker Joanna Quinn, who this year is a recipient of the Annecy Festival's prestigious Honorary Cristal. She will also lead a captivating masterclass during the festival, talking about her passion for drawing and animation, and sharing secrets of how she brings her characters to life. - 30 - Stay Connected Online Screening Room: NFB Facebook | NFB X | NFB Instagram | NFB Blog | NFB YouTube | NFB Vimeo Curator's perspective | Director's notes About the NFB
Toronto Star
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
Oscar-winning Canadian animator Co Hoedeman has died, National Film Board says
MONTREAL - Academy Award-winning Dutch-Canadian animator Co Hoedeman has died, the National Film Board of Canada said Tuesday. The 'master of stop-motion animation' died at age 84 on Monday in Montreal, the NFB said.
Canada Standard
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Canada Standard
NFB animator Co Hoedeman dies at age 84
May 27, 2025 - Montreal - National Film Board of Canada (NFB) The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is mourning the passing of distinguished animator and director Co Hoedeman, who died on May 26 in Montreal at the age of 84. Born in Amsterdam on August 1, 1940, Co was a master of stop-motion animation whose 1977 NFB production The Sand Castle received the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. "Co Hoedeman was a master animator, whose long career at the NFB was distinguished by innovative filmmaking and powerful humanitarian themes. He cared deeply for the well-being of children and was also a fierce defender of the importance of public filmmaking. The NFB and the Canadian animation community have lost a dear friend and colleague. Fortunately for us, we have his legacy of beloved works, which embody so much of his unique spirit," said Suzanne Guvremont, Government Film Commissioner and NFB Chairperson. Select biography Shortly after directing his early films with the NFB, including his award-winning Oddball (1969), Co travelled to Czechoslovakia in 1970 to study puppet animation and then returned to the NFB to begin a series of stop-motion gems. Tchou-tchou (1972), created with wooden blocks, received the British Academy award (BAFTA) for Best Animated Film. During the 1970s, Co created a series of acclaimed animated films based on Inuit traditional stories, collaborating closely with artists from Nunavut and Nunavik. Following his Oscar win for The Sand Castle , he continued to experiment with a range of techniques and themes. In 1992, he worked with Indigenous inmates at La Macaza Institution to create The Sniffing Bear , a cautionary tale about substance abuse. In 1998, he began work on a beloved children's series about Ludovic, a young teddy bear, available in the NFB collection Four Seasons in the Life of Ludovic . After completing his final film with the NFB, Marianne's Theatre (2004), Co began a busy independent animation career. He collaborated with the NFB on the co-production 55 Socks (2011), a deeply personal project drawing on his childhood memories during a dark period of Dutch history, the Hunger Winter of 1944-45. He would also adapt his Ludovic character into a popular children's TV series. In 2003, the Cinemathque quebecoise and the NFB paid tribute to Co and his importance to Quebec cinema with an exhibition entitled "Exposition Co Hoedeman - Les Jardins de l'enfance." The exhibition was presented the following year at the Musee-Chteau d'Annecy in France. Co was interviewed in 2013 for the NFB online anthology Making Movie History and was the subject of the 1980 NFB documentary Co Hoedeman, Animator . All of his NFB films are available online free of charge at - 30 - Stay Connected Online Screening Room: NFB Facebook | NFB Twitter | NFB Instagram | NFB Blog | NFB YouTube | NFB Vimeo Curator's perspective | Director's notes About the NFB
