Canada’s National Film Board Unveils Exhibition at Annecy’s New Animated Film Museum (EXCLUSIVE)

The new Musée du cinéma d’animation (Museum of Animated Film) in Annecy, France, is featuring a collection of films and artifacts from the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), with many of the iconic works and archival treasures set to join the museum’s permanent exhibition as part of a partnership agreement.

The Animated Film Museum opened this month as part of the newly established Cité internationale du cinéma d’animation or International Center for Animated Film, located within the walls of the former Haras National Horse Stables in the heart of the city, now known as Haras Park.

France’s first institution of its kind devoted to the history, techniques and many forms of animation, the museum offers visitors a uniquely immersive journey through the evolution of the art from around the world.

“For over 85 years, the NFB has helped shape the language of animation by offering artists a space for experimentation and innovation, encouraging the kind of creative freedom that has inspired generations of filmmakers around the world,” said Suzanne Guèvremont, government film commissioner and chairperson of the National Film Board of Canada.

“Seeing these works, objects and glimpses into the creative process take their place in Annecy’s Musée du cinéma d’animation is a testament to the lasting impact of our filmmakers and the special bond we share with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where NFB productions have earned awards throughout the years. We’re delighted to see our work showcased in this remarkable setting and thank our partners at CITIA.”

Described as “a journey into the heart of creation,” the museum’s permanent exhibition brings together some 20 audiovisual installations designed to showcase the richness and diversity of animation. Among them, an immersive installation consisting of seven themed screens offers a sensory journey through the history of animation, highlighting emblematic NFB films by Norman McLaren, Ryan Larkin, Michèle Cournoyer, Jacques Drouin, Michèle Lemieux, Paul Driessen and other key figures in the field.

The exhibition also features an exceptional selection of artifacts from the NFB’s collection, offering insight into the working methods, experimentation and inventiveness that have shaped the history of animation in Canada.

Pride of place is given to McLaren, with his series of pedagogical montages for “Blinkity Blank” (1955), “Le merle” (circa 1959), “Neighbours” (1952) and “Begone Dull Care” (circa 1949, co-directed with Evelyn Lambart), as well as artifacts — handwritten and typed notes, collages, photographs, sketches and various experiments on paper — that illuminate his creative process.

Visitors can also discover materials related to “Synchromy” (1971), including a rare box of handmade sound cards created for McLaren’s pioneering research into synthetic sound, and demonstrations of cut-out animation, working sketches and other materials that reflect his commitment to passing on his expertise.

The collection also includes a watercolor drawing by Ryan Larkin for “Walking” (circa 1968), as well as two drawings by Ishu Patel for “Paradise” (1984), one created in watercolor, the other using a backlit pinhole technique.

The NFB share close historic ties with Annecy. Since the festival’s inception in 1960, more than 350 NFB films have screened as part of the official selection, winning 66 awards, including nine Grand Prix du Festival (today known as the Annecy Cristal). Renowned filmmakers like Theodore Ushev, Regina Pessoa, Caroline Leaf, Ishu Patel, Wendy Tilby, Amanda Forbis, Chris Landreth, Co Hoedeman, Pierre Hébert and Joanna Quinn have all been honored at the fest.

Internationally renowned for the diversity of its storytelling and the wide range of techniques explored in its productions, the NFB has over the decades established itself as a leader in animated film, with its work seen as an essential contribution to the history of animation.

The public film and digital media producer and distributor has been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences across all categories: Its productions have garnered 79 Oscar nominations and won 12 Oscars, and the NFB received an Honorary Academy Award in 1989 for “overall excellence in cinema.”

The NFB also holds a uniquely historic position in the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film category. With 39 nominations to date, the NFB ranks second in total nominations just behind Disney, with 51, and ahead of MGM, Warner Bros. and Pixar.