The new Musée du cinéma d’animation (Museum of Animated Film) in Annecy, France, showcases the National Film Board of Canada’s (NFB) film and artifact collection, and as part of the partnership agreement, many of its iconic works and archival treasures will be added to the museum’s permanent exhibition.
The Museum of Animated Film opened this month as part of the newly established International Center for Animated Film within the walls of the former Harras National Horse Stables (now known as Harras Park) in the city center.
The first institution in France dedicated to the history, technique and various forms of animation, the museum offers visitors a unique immersive journey through the evolution of the art around the world.
“The Neighbors” by Norman McLaren (1952)
Provided by the National Film Board of Canada
“For more than 85 years, the NFB has helped shape the language of animation by providing artists the space to experiment and innovate, and encouraging the creative freedom that has inspired generations of filmmakers around the world,” said Suzanne Guevremont, Government of Canada Film Commissioner and Chair of the National Film Board.
“Seeing these works, objects and glimpses of the creative process brought to life at Annecy’s Animation Museum 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 films have won awards for many years. We are delighted to have our work exhibited in this wonderful setting and thank our partners at CITIA.”
Described as a “journey into the heart of creation,” the museum’s permanent exhibition brings together around 20 audiovisual installations designed to showcase the richness and diversity of animation. In it, an immersive installation of seven themed screens offers a sensory journey through the history of animation, highlighting iconic NFB films by Norman McLaren, Ryan Larkin, Michel Cournoyer, Jacques Drouhin, Michel Lemieux, Paul Driessen and other leading figures in the field.
“Paradise” by Ish Patel (1984)
Provided by the National Film Board of Canada
The exhibition also features a selection of artifacts from the NFB’s collection, providing insight into the working methods, experimentation, and ingenuity that have shaped the history of Canadian animation.
McLaren includes a series of educational montages including “Blinkity Blank” (1955), “Le merle” (c. 1959), “Neighbours” (1952), and “Begone Dull Care” (c. 1949, co-directed with Evelyn Lambert), as well as handwritten and typed notes, collages, photographs, sketches, and various experiments on paper that reveal his creative process.
Visitors will also find materials related to Synchromy (1971), including a rare box of handmade sound cards created for McLaren’s pioneering research in synthetic sound, as well as demonstrations of cutout animations, working sketches and other materials reflecting McLaren’s commitment to passing on its expertise.
“Le Merle” by Norman McLaren (1958)
Provided by the National Film Board of Canada
The collection also includes a watercolor painting of “Walking” (circa 1968) by Ryan Larkin. Also included are two drawings by Ish Patel for Paradise (1984). One is created in watercolor and the other uses a backlit pinhole technique.
The NFB shares close historical ties with Annecy. Since the festival’s creation in 1960, more than 350 NFB films have been screened as part of the official selection and won 66 awards, including nine Grand Prix du Festival (now known as Annecy Cristal). Prominent filmmakers such as Theodore Ushev, Regina Pessoa, Caroline Leaf, Ish Patel, Wendy Tilby, Amanda Forbis, Chris Landreth, Cor Hudemann, Pierre Hébert and Joanna Quinn have been honored at the festival.
NFB is internationally known for the diversity of its storytelling and the wide range of techniques explored in its production, and has established itself as a leader in animated film for decades, with its work considered an important contribution to the history of animation.
Norman McLaren’s “Synchromy” (1971)
Provided by the National Film Board of Canada
The public film and digital media production and distribution company has been recognized in all categories by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His films have been nominated for 79 Oscars and won 12, and NFB received an Honorary Academy Award for “Overall Excellence in Motion Pictures” in 1989.
NFB also holds a historic and unique position in the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. With 39 nominations to date, NFB ranks second in total nominations behind Disney’s 51 and ahead of MGM, Warner Bros. and Pixar.
