May 2, 2014
Ottawa (ON) – Canada Post issued five new commemorative stamps today celebrating the 75th anniversary of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). Since 1939, the agency has been bringing Canadian stories to life on film to the delight of generations of Canadians.
The NFB has created more than 13,000 productions and won more than 5,000 awards, including 12 Oscars and 90 Genies. The new stamps feature five favourites – Flamenco at 5:15 (1983), The Railrodder (1965), Mon oncle Antoine (1971), Log Driver's Waltz (1979) and Neighbours (1952). Each stamp depicts an image from one of the films behind the NFB logo.
The National Film Board's first commissioner was documentary pioneer John Grierson. Under his leadership, the agency documented the Canadian experience in the Second World War both at home and abroad. This early work as part of the war effort set the tone for the remarkable history to follow.
"The National Film Board laid the groundwork for a home-grown Canadian film industry, and along the way has produced and distributed an array of fantastic films that tell our stories our way," says The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage. "With these new stamps, Canada Post has captured snapshots from five of the best-loved NFB films to celebrate a great Canadian cultural legacy."
"Both the National Film Board and Canada Post's stamp program endeavor to document a broad range of the Canadian experience," says Deepak Chopra, Canada Post President and CEO. "Canada Post is pleased to participate in its 75th anniversary activities by presenting this new five-stamp issue."
"The five classic NFB films that Canada Post is featuring are outstanding examples of how uniquely Canadian stories have universal appeal at home and around the world. The stamps celebrate the legacy and creativity of today's National Film Board of Canada, which has led the way in cinema advances since 1939, and is also a world-renowned pioneer in interactive digital works," says Claude Joli-Coeur, Acting Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the National Film Board of Canada.
The NFB, known for its historically important films, is currently digitizing its collection, making films accessible at NFB.ca and via smartphone, tablet and connected TV apps. All five films in Canada Post's stamp issue can be viewed at NFB.ca.
The stamps measure 32 mm X 32 mm and are available in booklets of 10 stamps. They were printed by Canadian Bank Note and designed by Louis Gagnon of Paprika. The souvenir sheet of five stamps – designed to look like two film strips side by side – measures 93 mm X 103 mm. The Official First Day Cover bears the cancellation site of Montreal. To purchase philatelic products, please visit canadapost.ca/shop.
