Key Facts
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) has established a permanent exhibition at the newly opened Musée du cinéma d'animation (Museum of Animated Film) in Annecy, France. The museum, which opened in June 2026, is part of the International Center for Animated Film (CITIA) located in Haras Park. The exhibition features iconic NFB films and archival treasures, highlighting over 85 years of Canadian animation innovation.
Details of the Exhibition
The permanent exhibition, described as 'a journey into the heart of creation,' includes around 20 audiovisual installations. A key feature is an immersive installation with seven themed screens showcasing emblematic NFB works by Norman McLaren, Ryan Larkin, Michèle Cournoyer, Jacques Drouin, Michèle Lemieux, Paul Driessen, and others. Artifacts from the NFB collection provide insight into the creative processes behind these films.
Pride of place is given to Norman McLaren, with pedagogical montages for 'Blinkity Blank' (1955), 'Le merle' (circa 1959), 'Neighbours' (1952), and 'Begone Dull Care' (circa 1949, co-directed with Evelyn Lambart). Handwritten notes, collages, sketches, and experiments on paper illuminate his methods. A rare box of handmade sound cards for 'Synchromy' (1971) demonstrates his pioneering synthetic sound research.
Other artifacts include a watercolor drawing by Ryan Larkin for 'Walking' (circa 1968) and two drawings by Ishu Patel for 'Paradise' (1984)—one in watercolor, the other using a backlit pinhole technique.
Impact and Significance
The NFB has a long-standing relationship with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Since 1960, over 350 NFB films have been selected, winning 66 awards, including nine Grand Prix du Festival (now Annecy Cristal). Renowned filmmakers like Theodore Ushev, Regina Pessoa, Caroline Leaf, and others have been honored at the festival.
The NFB's global influence is underscored by its Oscar record: 79 nominations and 12 wins, plus an Honorary Academy Award in 1989. In the Best Animated Short category, the NFB ranks second in nominations (39) behind Disney (51), ahead of MGM, Warner Bros., and Pixar.
What Readers Should Know
- The museum is France's first institution dedicated to animation history and techniques.
- The NFB exhibition is permanent, thanks to a partnership with CITIA.
- Visitors can explore original artifacts and immersive installations that trace the evolution of animation.
FAQ
What is the new Animated Film Museum in Annecy?
The Musée du cinéma d'animation is France's first museum dedicated to the history and techniques of animation, located within the International Center for Animated Film at Haras Park in Annecy.
Which NFB works are featured in the exhibition?
The exhibition includes films and artifacts by Norman McLaren, Ryan Larkin, Michèle Cournoyer, Jacques Drouin, and others, with highlights like McLaren's 'Blinkity Blank' and 'Neighbours'.
How many NFB films have screened at Annecy?
Over 350 NFB films have been part of the official selection since 1960, winning 66 awards including nine Grand Prix du Festival.