NFB's Upcoming Animation

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgCurrently, the National Film Board of Canada has four animation projects in production. LITTLE ARMADILLOS is based off a song by filmmaker John Forrest. The educational piece creates a world inside the body where the eardrum is a dance hall and the elbow is a playground. Animator Debra Dawson is bringing the story to life with Long John Baldry performing the title song for the film. Jill Haras is creating JOE. The film follows the true-life story of Vancouver personality Seraphim "Joe" Fortes. Born in Barbados, Fortes came to Vancouver in 1885 and taught the children of the city how to swim. The style of the work is a combination of cut-out and computer animation. AFRICAN RHYTHMS follows the journey of a young boy across the African plains. Created by Charles Githinji, the film sews together hand-drawn animation with graphic elements to create the adventurous tale. CHINESE VIOLIN follows the travels of a young girl and her father from China to Canada. The traditionally animated children's short is co-directed by Joe Chang and Gintaras Zubrickas. All of these productions are being financed through the NFB's Animation/Children/Interactive Program West. George Johnson is serving as producer and Svend-Erik Eriksen is executive producer.