Results tagged “nfb”

ANIMATION: To mark World Animation Day on October 28, the NFB kicks off a week of free activities that celebrate the ever-changing, ever-intriguing world of animation. Get Animated! will offer screenings and workshops, like the Animation Lounge, where you can mingle with animators, browse through displays, and discover more about the industry and local studios. The first screening at tonight's opening highlights the 2008 grads from Sheridan College—whose animation program has produced some seriously talented and successful artists in the field for more than thirty years. Later on, catch some brand new NFB animation releases, including Cordell Barker's Runaway and The Spine by Chris Landreth (who won Best Short Animation at the 2005 Oscars for his amazing film about a well-loved Montrealer, Ryan). Both pieces were official selections at this year's Toronto International Film Festival. NFB Mediatheque (150 John Street), 5–10 p.m. (go online for various show times, etc.), FREE.

FILM: Waterlife is an award-winning documentary that follows the troubled waters of the Great Lakes from Lake Superior to the Atlantic Ocean through various perspectives—those of humans, wildlife, and even water molecules. The film, a stirring call to arms that explores issues surrounding the Great Lakes and our environment, health, leisure, politics, and commerce, features earnest narration by the Tragically Hip's Gord Downie and an emotive soundtrack by the likes of Sufjan Stevens, Sigur Rós, Sam Roberts, Robbie Robertson, and Brian Eno. The film, which was the Canadian Feature winner at this year's Hot Docs Festival, is being screened tonight and the following two evenings, with Director Kevin McMahon in attendance for a Q&A session on Thursday night. NFB Mediatheque (150 John Street), 7 p.m., $6 ($4 for students, seniors, and NFB members).

Recently we’ve—rather randomly—been reading someone’s blog reminiscing about the highs and lows (mostly lows) of living with a scholarship basketball player in college, Livin’ Large. It was after reading about ten or so entries we realized that we were, most likely, reading the blog of the film we’ll probably be writing about in five years or so. It kind of dampened our negativity about Julie and Julia, the film version of someone’s blog in which they attempted to chronicle their efforts to cook their way through Julia Child’s The Art of French Cooking. After all, perhaps the original blog was as pleasingly narrative as Livin’ Large? We certainly haven’t read it, so we can’t say, but concerning the film alone reviews seem to be positive. Susan G. Cole at NOW gives it a nice review, though she does ask us to particularly “watch what she [Meryl Streep] does with her right hand during a scene of sexual play with [Stanley] Tucci.”

To Sydney Newman, television drama was all about appealing to the common man. Described in an obituary as “brash and charmingly outrageous," Newman "shrewdly cast himself as the low-brow who punctures the pretensions of high-minded rivals.” In a film and television career that included major posts in Canada and Great Britain, the Toronto native used his hustling, straight-talking, frank approach to production to bring viewers down-to-earth dramas, time-travelling aliens, morale boosts during wartime, and even a hockey game or two.

ART: The sugary yet ominous drawings of Sarah McNeil are exhibited tonight at newly opened Queen West clothier Robber. The title of the show, “Other Wild Mammals,” includes ermines, rabbits, wolves, and, hey, people, 'cause we're mammals too! McNeil also runs a quaint blog where she details recipes for linseed crackers and her daily activities, while featuring her new artwork. Tonight’s opening will have drinks and snacks on hand. Robber (863 Queen Street West), 6–9 p.m., FREE.

Word association time! When you think of the Cannes Film Festival, happening now on the sunny French Riviera, which of the following pops into your head: a) prestigious awards like the coveted Palme d'Or, b) celebrity-studded red-carpet events, or c) insightful online comments like "go suck a dick" and "LMFAO"? Granted, options "a" and "b" have the edge, but thanks to the National Film Board of Canada, YouTube flamers can have their piece of the film-fest pie too.

FILM: NFB presents the world premiere of Saskatchewan film A Year at Sherbrooke tonight. The film records the experience of artists Thelma Pepper and Jeff Nachtigall working with residents at the Sherbrooke Community Centre, a long-term care facility in Saskatoon. Through the eyes of the visiting artists, the film explores the healing power of art in the lives of the disabled. NFB Mediatheque (150 John Street), 7 p.m., $6, $4 for students, seniors, or NFB members.

You love documentaries. We love documentaries. And what better way to forget our differences and come together in this love than at Hot Docs? Repping 171 titles from 39 countries, the 16th annual documentary festival and confab announced its full slate today at a jammed press conference at Revival.

Really we were. Between the alcohol and the giddiness and the fact that we couldn't think of anything intelligent to ask him about his new movie, Coopers' Camera, we opted instead to snap a few photos from afar. And then when we finally did work up the nerve to approach him, he had just left, leaving us with memories of Homer and Mr. T.