Starting on May 10 at 10:15 p.m. (EDT), the eight short films will go live at the NFB.ca Screening Room as well as via the NFB's apps for mobile devices
May 9, 2014 - Montreal – National Film Board of Canada
On Saturday, May 10, at 10:15 p.m. EDT, Canadians everywhere can catch the National Film Board of Canada's online film tributes to the eight recipients of the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards, the most prestigious award of its kind in Canada. The eight short films will go live at NFB.ca and via the NFB's apps for smartphones, tablets and connected TV. The films' online release has been timed to coincide with their screenings at the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Gala.
For the seventh consecutive year, the NFB has brought together acclaimed Canadian filmmakers and NFB producers to craft a series of short signature works for the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Gala at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, taking place this year on May 10, 2014. The films celebrate the achievements of outstanding Canadian artists and share their talents with people across Canada and around the world.
Including this year's crop of films, the NFB has produced 56 shorts for the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.
Quick Facts
• Tributes to the 2014 recipients of the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards for Lifetime Artistic Achievement
o Anik Bissonnette: The Gift of Dance portrays the former principal dancer at the helm of the École supérieure de ballet du Québec. Having dazzled audiences for decades with her astounding talents as a dancer, she's now teaching the rigorous fundamentals and secrets of movement that underlie her art. Directed by Philippe Baylaucq and produced by René Chénier.
o Blue Rodeo: On the Road follows the iconic band on the last leg of their 2014 tour and revisits their early days through found footage. The film captures the essence of a band that is forever moving forward—and always finding inspiration for their songs in the landscapes and people of Canada. Directed by Millefiore Clarkes and produced by Paul McNeill.
o Brent Carver: Home Through the Night is an enlightening glimpse of one of Canada's most acclaimed actors in an exhilarating display of his two great passions: acting and singing. Directed by Tim Southam and produced by Gerry Flahive.
o Ballads Not Bullets tells the story of how Métis artist Tom Jackson came to use his gift for song to raise millions of dollars for the fight against poverty and homelessness. The film focuses on the importance of using our talents to give back to society. Directed by Marie Clements; produced by Cory Generoux and Bonnie Thompson.
o Louise Lecavalier: Body Speech presents the dancer and choreographer in her rehearsal studio where, with searching steps, she crosses a space defined by her past. Her movements are framed by the aura of her acclaimed performances, each one a testament to a different facet of her remarkable talent. Directed by Philippe Baylaucq and produced by René Chénier.
o Janine Sutto: 70 Years of Passion presents a grande dame of Quebec theatre who, for over 70 years, has brought to the stage her passion for her art: portraying life. A slight woman with incredible vitality, she has the look of someone who has realized her dreams. Directed by Michel La Veaux and produced by René Chénier.
• Tribute to the 2014 recipient of the Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts
o Jean Giguère: The Measure of a Place offers a highly stylized representation of the arts community within which Giguère has worked for decades while celebrating her particular brand of volunteerism—one marked by humour, compassion and a dedication to changing the world. Directed by Deco Dawson and produced by Alicia Smith.
• Tribute to the 2014 recipient of the National Arts Centre Award, which recognizes work of an extraordinary nature by an individual artist or company in the past performance year
In Play, actor, director and artistic director Albert Schultz and some of his associates from the acclaimed Soulpepper Theatre company discuss collaboration, artistic freedom and the ability to “play.” Directed by Hubert Davis and produced by Lea Marin.
• Partners of the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Gala
o The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Gala is the result of a dynamic partnership between three of Canada's major arts organizations. The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Foundation is responsible for nominating and selecting the recipients. The National Arts Centre plays a key role by fundraising and producing the Gala. The NFB is a key creative concept partner, creating signature films that capture the essence of each laureate and attest to their creative genius.
Related Links
https://www.nfb.ca/apps/
Governor General's Performing Arts Awards: http://ggpaa.ca/home.aspx?lang=en-CA
National Art Centre : http://nac-cna.ca/
The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Foundation:http://ggpaa.ca/about-the-awards.aspx?lang=en-CA
Stay Connected
Online Screening Room: NFB.ca
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Media Relations
Pat Dillon
NFB Publicist
Cell: 514-206-1750
E-mail: p.a.dillon@nfb.ca
Twitter: @PatDoftheNFB
Lily Robert
Director, Corporate Communications, NFB
Tel: 514-283-3838
Cell: 514-296-8261
l.robert@nfb.ca
About the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards
The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards (GGPAA) are Canada's foremost distinction for excellence in the performing arts, recognizing a stellar array of artists and arts volunteers for their outstanding lifetime contribution to Canada's cultural life. The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards were created in 1992 under the patronage of the Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn (1934–2002), then Governor General of Canada. Today, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston is the Awards' patron.
Six Lifetime Artistic Achievement Awards are given each year for excellence in the fields of theatre, dance, classical music, popular music, broadcasting and film. Two complementary awards are also conferred: the Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts, which recognizes the outstanding contribution by an individual or group in voluntary service to the performing arts in Canada; and the National Arts Centre Award, which recognizes work of an extraordinary nature by an individual artist or company in the past performance year.
About the NFB
Beginning May 2, 2014, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) marks 75 years of innovation and leadership in social-issue documentaries, auteur animation, and most recently, groundbreaking interactive works. The NFB has produced over 13,000 productions and won over 5,000 awards, including 8 Webbys, 9 Canadian Screen Awards, 12 Oscars and more than 90 Genies. To access acclaimed NFB content, visit NFB.ca or download its apps for smartphones, tablets and connected TV.
