Canada Expo 2020 Dubai partners with the National Film Board of Canada to showcase Canada's creative industries.

December 12, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Canada Expo 2020 Dubai has partnered with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) to commission a major installation for the cultural program and visitor experience at the Canada Pavilion in Dubai. This partnership with Canada's award-winning public producer will highlight Canada's diverse and innovative creative industries. NFB will work in collaboration with KANVA Architecture, Original Concept, Creative Art Direction & Production Design, independent artist Étienne Paquette, Multimedia Design & Art Direction, and Creos Experts-Conseils, Production Direction to create the installation.

The artistic installation TRACES will be featured in the Canada Pavilion on the Expo 2020 Dubai site from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021. Developed around the idea of ​​the imminent disappearance of our landscapes and its wildlife, this work raises awareness about the alteration of our ecosystems caused by climate change.  The immersive and interactive installation will then transform into a legacy piece, travelling the world on a five-year international exhibition tour under the responsibility of the NFB.

Founded in 1939, the NFB is one of the world’s great creative laboratories and a leader in gender equity in film and digital media production. Displaying their work at Expo 2020 Dubai will reinforce the diversity and vitality of our culture and bolster international business objectives.

Quotes

“The National Film Board of Canada is one of Canada's leading contributors to its creative industries and has been involved in several International Expositions, from Montréal in 1967 to Shanghai in 2010. We are pleased to collaborate with them to deliver a memorable work of art that will promote cultural diplomacy and showcase Canadian creative talent and expertise abroad.”
-        Veronica Silva, Interim Commissioner General for Canada at Expo 2020 Dubai

“The National Film Board of Canada stands out for its creative collaborations with artists and technicians throughout the country. It produces documentaries, auteur animation, interactive narratives, and participatory experiences that receive millions of views every year, inspiring conversations, learning, and discovery. At Expo 2020 Dubai, we are continuing our tradition of boldness and innovation, as demonstrated through decades of showcasing homegrown talent and works at major international events.”
-        Claude Joli-Coeur, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the NFB

Quick facts

• Canada’s trade diversification strategy is investing $1.1 billion over the next six years to help Canadian businesses access new markets.
• Canadian exports of cultural products in 2017 were valued at $15.7 billion, with audio-visual and interactive media, including film and video production and post-production services, being a significant contributor to trade within this sector.
• Participating in Expo 2020 Dubai aligns with the Government of Canada’s trade diversification strategy and will showcase the best that Canada has to offer to a global audience of millions of visitors.
• More than 150 Canadian companies across a variety of sectors maintain a presence in the UAE, largely as a base for their operations in the region.
• Canada recognizes the importance of this Exhibition for Dubai, as it is the first city to host a World Expo in the Middle East, particularly as the UAE celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2021.

Associated links

• Canada at Expo 2020 Dubai
• Diversifying Canada’s trade and investment opportunities
• Doing Business in the United Arab Emirates
• National Film Board of Canada

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About Canada Expo 2020 Dubai

Expo 2020 Dubai is an international celebration of commerce, innovation, tourism, and culture, where participating nations will demonstrate their economic and trade capabilities and advance their global reputation. Between October 20, 2020 and April 10, 2021, this World Expo will bring together countries, companies, non-governmental organizations, multilateral organisations and millions of visitors in one place. Canada’s theme for Expo 2020, The Future in Mind, will highlight Canadian leadership in key sectors including advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, digital innovations, aerospace, clean energy and education. Canada’s participation provides the perfect platform to discover new trends, share ideas with thought leaders and collaborate with the world.

About the NFB

The NFB is Canada’s public producer of award-winning creative documentaries, auteur animation, interactive stories and participatory experiences. NFB producers are embedded in communities across the country, from St. John’s to Vancouver, working with talented creators on innovative and socially relevant projects. The NFB is a leader in gender equity in film and digital media production, and is working to strengthen Indigenous-led production, guided by the recommendations of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. NFB productions have won over 7,000 awards, including 24 Canadian Screen Awards, 21 Webbys, 12 Oscars and more than 100 Genies. To access this award-winning content and discover the work of NFB creators, visit NFB.ca, download its apps for mobile devices or visit NFB Pause.