Canada’s famed National Film Board is coming to this year’s festival boasting 3 short films in competition and a ‘NFB: New Spaces for Storytelling’ Studio Focus showcasing its programming vision and women creators; the event runs from June 13 to 18.
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) has big plans for this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival, running from June 13 to 18. This year’s lineup of NFB animated shorts selected for competition include three films all directed by women animators and produced predominately by women. Each features varied techniques and subject matter, ranging from reflections on existence, to identity and sexuality.
The three NBB films in competition:
Short Films – Official Competition:
The Flying Sailor by Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis; produced by David Christensen (NFB) – World Premiere.
- Inspired by true events, the new film by Oscar-nominated duo Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby is a meditation on a sailor’s unexpected voyage.
Perspectives short films program:
Meneath: The Hidden Island of Ethics by Terril Calder; Produced by Jelena Popović (NFB) with Jason Ryle serving as consulting producer.
- In this stop-motion film, Calder charts a challenging journey for a precocious Métis baby girl as she contemplates her path to Hell.
- The film’s crew includes sound designer Sacha Ratcliffe and music composer Judith Gruber-Stitzer.
Competition – TV and Commissioned Films:
Magical Caresses: Sweet Jesus by Lori Malépart-Traversy; Produced by Julie Roy and Christine Noël (NFB).
- A light and humorous approach to examining religion’s moral taboos around the female body and desires.
The NFB and its animation studios will also be in the spotlight at the festival’s Studio Focus, an in-person event taking place on June 14:
NFB: New Spaces for Storytelling - Studio Focus:
- The NFB will showcase its programming vision, more dedicated to new forms of storytelling, through the voices of its women creators whose projects were selected for Annecy this year. Expect exclusive discoveries and encounters with filmmakers Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis, Terril Calder, and Lori Malépart-Traversy.
- A one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the creative and technical processes of a leading animation studio and chat with creators about their most recent projects.
Other events at MIFA
Hothouse and Alambic are the NFB’s apprenticeship initiatives for emerging animators, run by its English and French programs respectively. In collaboration with Telefilm Canada, filmmakers taking part in the programs, will be attending MIFA for professional meetings and networking.
Source: National Film Board of Canada
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
