Watch Best of NFB Animation

The Best of NFB Animation is an extraordinary showcase of some of the most celebrated animated films produced by the National Film Board of Canada, a renowned organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Canadian culture and creativity through various forms of media. This collection features a diverse selection of animated shorts that demonstrate the boundless potential of animation as an art form, capturing the imagination and emotions of audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Spanning several decades, the films presented in the Best of NFB Animation demonstrate the evolution of animation in Canada, showcasing the immense talent and skills of Canadian animators and filmmakers. The collection features a range of styles, from traditional hand-drawn animation to stop-motion animation, and includes both narratives and experimental films that explore different themes and emotions.

One of the standout films in the collection is The Sweater, a charming and heartwarming tale about a young boy from Quebec who adores hockey and dreams of wearing the same jersey as his favorite player, Maurice Richard. The film, based on a short story by Roch Carrier, captures both the nostalgia and the innocence of childhood and serves as a testament to the power of sports and community to bring people together.

Another film that is sure to captivate audiences is The Cat Came Back, a whimsical and hilarious story about a man who tries desperately to get rid of a pesky cat that seems to keep coming back, no matter what he does. This classic animated short, directed by Cordell Barker, showcases an incredible level of detail and animation skill, coupled with a delightful and catchy soundtrack that will have viewers humming along.

Other films in the collection, such as Ryan and Madame Tutli-Putli, explore deeper and more complex themes such as identity, memory, and loss. Ryan, directed by Chris Landreth, is a poignant meditation on the life of Canadian animator Ryan Larkin, who struggled with addiction and homelessness before his death in 2007. Using a unique form of animation that blends live-action footage with computer-generated imagery, Landreth creates a powerful and intimate portrait of an artist whose life was cut tragically short.

Madame Tutli-Putli, directed by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, is a haunting and surreal film that explores the journey of a woman traveling on a train with her possessions. As she encounters strange and unsettling characters along the way, the audience is forced to question the nature of reality and the limits of human perception. With its stunning visuals and evocative score, Madame Tutli-Putli is a true masterpiece of modern animation.

What makes the Best of NFB Animation so remarkable is not just the quality and variety of the films included, but also the way they showcase the unique perspective and voice of Canadian animators. From the hilarious and irreverent to the thought-provoking and emotional, each film in the collection is a testament to the power of animation to tell stories and connect us to the world around us.

In short, the Best of NFB Animation is a must-see collection of films for anyone who appreciates the art of animation, storytelling, and creativity. With its diverse range of films, talented animators, and deep connection to Canadian culture and history, this collection is a true treasure that will delight viewers for generations to come.

Best of NFB Animation is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between December 10, 2012 and on National Film Board of Canada