September 21, 2012
A New National Film Board Documentary
OTTAWA—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will host a special screening of The Portrait, a National Film Board (NFB) 40-minute short film documenting the work of Canadian artist Phil Richards as he creates the Diamond Jubilee portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The screening, upon invitation, will take place at Rideau Hall on Monday, September 24, 2012, at 4 p.m.
In the beautiful setting of the Ballroom, where The Queen’s portrait hangs, Their Excellencies will be joined by Tom Perlmutter, Government Film Commissioner and Chair of the NFB; Academy Award®-nominated Canadian director Hubert Davis; Canadian artist Phil Richards; and invited guests.
The Governor General, Mr. Perlmutter and Mr. Davis will deliver remarks on this special occasion. Following the presentation of the documentary, the filmmaker and the artist will talk about the artistic process involved in the making of the short film and the portrait, and will answer questions from guests.
In honour of The Queen’s 60th anniversary of her accession to the Throne, the NFB is launching Celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee–Collector’s Edition, a special DVD collection featuring The Portrait, along with two other classic films: The Royal Journey, which follows H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth throughout her 1951 visit to Canada as part of her first Royal Tour; and Canada at the Coronation, which depicts The Queen’s 1953 coronation from a uniquely Canadian perspective. In partnership with Canada Post and the Department of Canadian Heritage, this collector’s edition will be distributed to public libraries, schools and post-secondary institutions across Canada. It will also be available online at nfb.ca, to ensure that our shared past is available to future generations.
Founded in 1939 as Canada’s public film producer, the NFB has documented key moments in the life of our country for more than 70 years. Over the decades, NFB filmmakers have documented and celebrated the special bond between Canadians and their Sovereign in 16 productions.
This original portrait of The Queen, by Canadian artist Phil Richards, was created to mark the historic occasion of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. The portrait was unveiled by The Queen during a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace, during the Diamond Jubilee week, on June 6, 2012. Following the unveiling, the portrait was displayed at the Canadian High Commission, in London, from June 8 to 14, 2012. It is now installed at Rideau Hall for the public to view during tours and events at the residence. It is the third portrait of Her Majesty commissioned by the Government of Canada during her reign.
To mark The Queen’s Coronation, Canada Post will design a commemorative stamp, which will feature The Queen’s portrait. The stamp will be released in June 2013.
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Media wishing to cover the event and the screening must confirm their presence in advance with the Rideau Hall Press Office and arrive no later than 3:45 p.m. on the day of the event.
Media information:
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
marie-eve.letourneau@gg.ca
Pat Dillon
Publicist
National Film Board
514-206-1750
p.dillon@nfb.ca
