You're Invited: Fun & Interactive NFB Mediatheque Events

NFB Mediatheque in Toronto, Ontario, Canada invites you, your children and families to enjoy the following FREE, fun and interactive events:

BAR CODE

Bar Code at NFB Mediatheque, Toronto

 Interactive exhibit at NFB Mediatheque until Sunday, October 16, 2011 (this is a corrected date).

FREE

“Bar Code, produced by the National Film Board of Canada and ARTE France, explores our relationship to the objects around us.

Featuring 100 short films made by 30 Canadian and European directors, this collective work presents a new spin on everyday objects. A pair of shoes evokes an amorous past; eyebrow tweezers prompt reflection on gender identity; a mixing bowl becomes a musical instrument.

Drop by anytime to scan one of their barcodes to unlock the mysteries these objects have to tell in this one-of-a-kind mobile and interactive new media project.“

Please click here for a complete itinerary, and more info on Bar Code.

Location & Contact Info:

MEDIATHEQUE
150 John Street (at Richmond St. W.)
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3C3
416-973-3012

FREE FAVOURITES AT FOUR presents BASEBALL GIRLS

Wednesday, October 12 at 4 PM – FREE

Directed by Lois Siegel. 1995, 81 min

“Forget everything you think you know about baseball. From the early days of the Bloomer Girls to today’s Colorado Silver Bullets, Baseball Girls features something new and different about women who love the sport.

You’ll see seven-year-olds learning the rules and skills of the game, and fifty-year-olds hitting home runs.

This zany and affectionate feature documentary details the history of women’s participation in the largely male-dominated world of baseball and softball.“

Please click on the following links for other Free Favourites At Four screenings in:

• October and

• November.

Location & Contact Info:

MEDIATHEQUE
150 John Street (at Richmond St. W.)
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3C3
416-973-3012

planet in focus Film Festival

Saturday, October 15, 2011 - 11 AM & 2:30 PM

FREE Animation Workshop (Ages 3-13) & Film Screenings

“Children will be able to express their opinions and visions of the future about the environment through the magic of animated claymation filmmaking.

Two different film screening programs will precede and follow each workshop.

Pre-registration is required and space is limited.“

Please click here to register, and for more info on Planet in Focus Film Festival animation workshops and film screenings.

Also, please note that these events will take place at the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre.

Toronto International Flamenco Festival 

October 15 – 25

“The 5th Anniversary Celebration for the Toronto International Flamenco Festival brings together the old and the new of flamenco, giving audiences a spectacular experience.

Explosive traditional flamenco with a taste of the unexpected from the most innovative and critically acclaimed performers from Spain and Canada. 

• Flamenco Expressions Show (FREE)
  • Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. (Queen/University). Doors open ½ hour before the performance, admission is FREE, and tickets will be distributed at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

• FREE Events at the NFB Mediatheque are:
  • Flamenco Movies with Lecture/Demo (FREE): The Oscar®-winning short film presented in partnership with the National Film Board Mediatheque, including a Flamenco lecture demo with some give aways – light beverages will be served – SPACE IS LIMITED
  • Grant Workshop by TAC and OAC (FREE): will present an overview of their grant programs for dance artists and dance groups; the kind of eligible activity and projects that can be supported by our grant programs; and how decisions to fund grant applications are made. We’ll also talk about what makes a strong grant application; what a jury wants to know about your work, activity or project; how to draft a sound budget; and what to show as support material.  THIS CLASS IS FREE BUT ONE MUST REGISTER BY contacting Soraya Peerbaye at soraya@torontoartscouncil.org

• FREE Dance: Intro to Flamenco – Level: Absolute Beginner
  

Teachers: Raija, Carmen Romero

Location: Canada’s National Ballet School, 400 Jarvis St, Toronto

Note: Only offered on SUNDAY, October 23 from 1:00pm to 2:15pm.

Duration: 75 Mins. This class is for the individual who has never taken Flamenco before. The teacher will introduce the student to Flamenco. Come on down and see what this is all about. THIS CLASS IS FREE BUT ONE MUST REGISTER BY E-MAILING info@torontoflamencofestival.com with subject line INTRODUCTION TO FLAMENCO (for kids, adult, 55+).  There are 3 level of Intro classes offered – one for kids 6 to 12, another for adults, and one for over 55 years of age. 

Dress Code: Comfortable clothing, NO FLAMENCO SHOES“

Contact Info:

By Phone
416-457-2085

By mail
Toronto International Flamenco Festival
PO Box 23034
Toronto, ON
M5N 3A9
Canada

imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival

October 19 – 23

“The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is an international festival in Toronto that celebrates the latest works by Indigenous peoples on the forefront of innovation in film, video, radio, and new media.

Visit this year’s new media projects at the NFB Mediatheque for FREE.”

All web-based new media works are exhibited on the website of imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival and at the NFBʼs Interactive Lounge at 150 John Street (at Richmond St. W.), Thurs. Oct. 20 – Sat. Oct. 22, 12pm – 10pm, and Sun. Oct. 23, 12pm – 5pm.

Enjoy!

This is an update to my previous blog CELEBRATE CANADA!: National Aboriginal Day, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Canadian Multiculturalism Day and Canada Day.

As a prelude to the Canada Day celebration, Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday, 29 June 2011, unveiled a new personal flag, for use in Canada, created for His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge.

The flag, whose creation and design were approved by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge, will be flown for the first time today when The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive in Ottawa to begin their nine-day Royal Tour of Canada, from June 30^th to July 8^th.

The itinerary of the nine-day Royal Tour of Canada for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge includes the following highlights:

• The Canada Day Noon Show on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario (July 1)
• Freedom of the City ceremony with the Royal 22^e Régiment in Québec City, Québec (July 3)
• Search and rescue demonstration in Summerside, Prince Edward Island (July 4)
• Event with Canadian Rangers at Blachford Lake, Northwest Territories (July 5)
• Official launch of the Calgary Stampede Parade in Calgary, Alberta (July 8 )

From July 1 to July 4, there are Toronto events with road closures, too.

Celebrate Canada Day At Queen’s Park

Canada Day marks the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on July 1st. The holiday was called Dominion Day, and since 1983 has been officially known as Canada Day.

Join in the fun and celebrate Canada’s 144^th birthday on July 1.

The annual Canada Day celebration on the front (south) lawn of the Ontario Legislature at Queen’s Park will feature a 21-gun salute to be fired by the 7th Toronto Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery, and the singing of O Canada.

FREE Canada Day activities include:

• a line up of multicultural acts with eight dance performances;

• a meet-and-greet with beloved kids’ character Shrek; and

• inflatable rides, crafts, arcade games and a special kids show.

The day’s celebrations are all FREE and will begin with a citizenship ceremony to welcome new Canadians – with activities and entertainment following from noon until 5:00 p.m.

The following Queen’s Park road closures will be in effect Friday, July 1, 2011, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:

o Queen’s Park Crescent East from College St. to Wellesley St. West

o Queen’s Park Crescent West from College St. to Hoskin Ave

o Grosvenor St. from Queen’s Park Crescent East to Surrey Place

Please click here for the complete itinerary of Canada Day events - FREE – at Queen’s Park.

Canada Day Celebration Highlights at Harbourfront Centre: FREE

• Canada Day (July 1) events include
  • a screening of Talespinners 2, seven short animated films for kids from the National Film Board of Canada,
  • make a Canadian maple leaf sun visor at the Canada Day Crafts station, and
  • sign up for one of the Strawberry Cooking Classes for Kids
  • YTV will even be on-site with their W.O.W. Tour!
  • during On the Pulse, you can play The Real Life Where’s Waldo? Game,
  • learn about the Arts & Animals of Colombia, and more!

• “O! Canada is the results of an online singing competition using the National Anthem. Through social networking we have generated an overwhelming response to our call-out for your take on “O Canada”… without changing any of the lyrics of course.”
  • Please click here to visit the online contest page.
  • 4:00PM – 4:30PM at 235 Queens Quay West
  • map

• Strawberry Culinary Marathon with Lesley Mattina of OMG Baked Goodness

Please click here for the complete itinerary of Canada Day events - FREE at Harbourfront Centre.

Also, please click here for site map, directions, parking operation hours and contact info.

CANADA DAY 2011 Events across Toronto

Please click here for all of the celebrations (most are FREE) being planned for this weekend.

If you’re hosting a public event, be sure to post the details.

Other various ways you can celebrate Canada Day across Toronto include:

• Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge St.) from 8 to 10:30 p.m.
  • FREE Live musical performances by Ray Robinson and nine-piece powerhouse King Sunshine.
  • FREE event will end with a spectacular fireworks display.
  • Please click here for more details.

• City parks, outdoor swimming pools and wading pools will be open on Canada Day, as will City historic sites.
  • Community centres will be closed on July 1.
  • Please click here for the City’s swimming pools schedules.
  • For more information about online water quality reports for local beaches, please click here.

• The Toronto Zoo is open this Canada Day long weekend.
  • Families can cool off at Splash Island
  • Take in one of the Zoo’s amazing animal shows
  • Visit the endangered African penguins – new to the Toronto Zoo – or
  • Check out the sharks at Stingray Bay Exhibit.
  • Please click here for more information.

Please note that fireworks are not allowed to be set off in City of Toronto parks.

Toronto’s community Canada Day activities are as follows:

Toronto East: FREE

• Scarborough’s 44th Annual Canada Day Celebration will be held in Thomson Park (1005 Brimley Rd.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Celebratory activities will include a pancake breakfast, buskers, bouncy inflatables, gladiator jousting, a DJ, and live entertainment featuring Solid Sound International, Southern Fried, the Toronto All Star Big Band and Clave Kings.
  • Families can also enjoy the kids’ craft area and crafts show and sale.
  • Explore the Thompson Park Memorial Museum.
  • Learn more about tennis through demonstrations.
  • Seniors will also have the opportunity to participate in the Slo-Pitch Challenge ball game.
  • More information is available by calling 416-396-4039.
  • The 44th Annual Canada Day Parade
    • begins at 4 p.m. west of the Scarborough Civic Centre on Brimley Road,
    • ending at Lawrence Avenue East and Brimley Road at about 5:30 p.m.
    • features marching bands, drum and bugle corps, Miss Toronto, antique cars, clowns and floats.
    • More information is available by calling 416-396-7566.

• The fireworks display at Milliken Park (Steeles Road and McCowan Road) will begin at dusk.
  • For more information, please call 416-396-7757.

Toronto North: FREE

• The Old Style Community Picnic will be held at the Broadlands Community Centre and Park (19 Castlegrove Blvd.) from 1:30 to 4 p.m.,
  • hosted by the O’Connor Hills Ratepayers Association in conjunction with Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation division.
  • Activities include face painting, games, clown entertainment and folk singing.
  • More information is available at 416-395-7966.

Toronto South and Central: FREE

• The annual Canada Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay Park (Lake Shore Boulevard East, at the foot of Coxwell Avenue) will start at 9:45 p.m.
  • Those planning to attend should use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home.

• Hosted by East York Toronto Canada Day Corporation in co-operation with Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation division, East York’s 54th Annual Canada Day Parade motorcade
  • will start at 9 a.m. at the East York Town Centre (45 Overlea Blvd.).
  • The motorcade will then make its way to Dieppe Park, where
  • the marching bands will start at 10 a.m.
  • The motorcade will then travel east to Stan Wadlow Park, at 888 Cosburn Ave., where the motorcade parade is scheduled to finish at noon.

• The celebrations at Stan Wadlow Park will
  • begin at 11 a.m. and finish at 10 p.m.
  • Residents will be able to enjoy bingo, live entertainment and a display of antique cars.
  • The fireworks display will start at 10:15 p.m. and the park will close at 11 p.m.

Toronto West: FREE

• The 12th Annual Toronto Ribfest will be held at Centennial Park (256 Centennial Park Rd.)
  • throughout the full Canada Day long weekend from June 30 to July 3, running from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
  • Activities include 13 professional ribbers from Canada and the United States, live music and midway rides.
  • A spectacular fireworks display will be held at 10 p.m. on July 1 to celebrate Canada Day.
  • Admission and parking for the Toronto Ribfest and Canada Day Weekend event are FREE.
  • Please click here for more information.

• The Amesbury Canada Day Committee’s 26th annual Canada Day event at Amesbury Park (1507 Lawrence Ave. W.)
  • will start at 10 a.m.
  • Activities include a pancake brunch, barbecue, live entertainment, marketplace, strongman’s competition and activities for children.
  • A fireworks display will start at 10 p.m.
  • Please click here for more information.

• Canada Day Celebrations at Weston Lions Park (2125 Lawrence Ave. W.) will run
  • from 5 to 10 p.m., concluding with a fireworks display.
  • Festivities include live entertainment and children’s activities.
  • More information is available by calling 416-392-4091.

Toronto’s Historic Sites/Museums on Canada Day

In addition to the preceding parades and parks events, seven City of Toronto historic sites/museums will present a mixture of regular and special programming on Canada Day as follows:

• Canada Day at Fort York National Historic Site: FREE
  • Fort York, 250 Fort York Blvd
  • Canadian musicians and artists will perform, among them Chris Mckhool’s Fiddlefire,  Kehewin Native Dance Theatre, and storytellers Shadow Puppetry and Bag of Trix, who will perform a break dance routine and present a workshop.
  • There will also be a musket and artillery drill with fife-and-drum music.
  • Visitors can enjoy tours, bring a picnic and learn the story of this national historic site.
  • Hours of operation on Canada Day are from noon to 5 p.m.
  • A Fort York Historic District Walking Tour
  1. Starting and ending at the canteen at Fort York National Historic Site, this special walking tour explores the evolution and history of Fort York and the nearby Lake Ontario shoreline.
  2. Learn about the origins of Fort York, the fortification of the harbour, local railway and road building, and the subsequent industrial and recreational development of this vital area.
  3. The tour will take place rain or shine, starting at 1 p.m. and finishing at 2:30 p.m.

For more information about the Canada Day events at the Fort York National Historic Site, call 416-392-6907.

• Canada Day at Gibson House Museum: Admission is “pay what you can”
  • Celebrate Canada’s birthday with a journey to the community of Willow Dale, circa 1851, at the Gibson House Museum, 5172 Yonge St. – just north of the North York Centre Subway Station.
  • Experience a taste of the past with homemade ice cream, children’s activities in the Discovery Gallery and old-fashioned games on the lawn.
  • Admission is “pay what you can.” Gibson House Museum will be open on Canada Day from noon to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4:30 p.m.

• Dominion Day Celebration at Montgomery’s Inn
  • Celebrate Canada’s birthday with tea and strawberry shortcake at Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas St. W. at Islington Avenue.
  • Admission is $10 plus tax and is first come, first served. Montgomery Inn will be open on Canada Day from 1 to 4 p.m.
  • For more information about the Dominion Day Celebration at Montgomery’s Inn, call 416-394-8113.

• Cake it up Canada at Scarborough Museum: Admission is by donation
  • Visit the Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Rd., just north of Lawrence Avenue in Thomson Memorial Park, for cake and karaoke on Canada Day.
  • Visitors will be able to sample historic treats and can consider entering a pie-eating contest.
  • Families will also be able to share why they believe Canada is a great country at the Canadian Broadcast Speakers’ Corner.
  • Peameal bacon sandwiches and fresh strawberries with ice cream will be on sale as a fundraising activity for the Canadian Heritage Celebrate Canada Program.
  • Hours of operation on Canada Day: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is by donation. Parking spaces will be limited.
  • For more information about Cake it up Canada at the Scarborough Museum, call 416-338-8807.

• Canada Day Weekend at Spadina Museum
  • If you have not seen Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Rd., since its interior restoration, the long weekend will be a great time to visit.
  • Enjoy a stroll through the historic gardens that are already in bloom.
  • Take one or more of the new themed tours that highlight the 1920s and ’30s.
  • Please click here for the schedule of tours.
  • Regular admission applies: Adults $7.62; Seniors and Youth 13 to 18, $4.76; Children 6 to 12, $3.81 plus tax.
  • Hours of operation are from Friday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

• Canada Day at Todmorden Mills: FREE
  • Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon in the Don Valley to celebrate Canada Day at
  • Todmorden Mills, located at the bottom of Pottery Road, east of the Bayview extension, west of Broadview Avenue.
  • Tour the 19th century buildings, sample treats prepared in a historic kitchen and enjoy special activities for children.
  • Hours of operation for Canada Day are from noon to 4 p.m.
  • Please click here for special directions due to road work.

For more information about City of Toronto historic sites and museums, please click here.

City Services on July 1

• The Toronto Transit Commission/TTC system will operate on a holiday schedule – similar to regular Sunday service. Subway and most routes will start at 6 a.m. on Friday, July 1.

• The City’s residential garbage, recycling and organics collection will proceed on the usual Friday schedule.

• Toronto’s long-term care homes will remain open on Canada Day.

• City child-care centres will be closed for the day.

• All City emergency services and 24-hour operations will be provided as usual on Friday.

• For emergency response, call 911.

• City offices will be closed for the Canada Day holiday.

• The City’s 311 information service will be operating as usual.

Please click here for the City website.

Events with Toronto Road Closures

• Canada Day Celebration at Queen’s Park, Friday, July 1 closure:
  • Queen’s Park/Queen’s Park Circle, from College Street to Charles Street, will be closed from
  • 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Canada Day Parade in Scarborough, Friday, July 1 closure:
  • Brimley Road will be closed from:
  1. Progress Avenue to Ellesmere Road from 1 to 6 p.m. and from
  2. Ellesmere Road to Lawrence Avenue from 3 to 8 p.m.
  • Ellesmere Road will be closed from Midland Avenue to McCowan Road from 4 to 5 p.m.

• Pride Day Festivities Weekend closures:
  • Church Street, from Carlton Street to Hayden Street, will be closed from Friday, July 1 at 6 p.m. to Monday, July 4 at 6 a.m.
  • Pride and Remembrance Run – Saturday, July 2:
  1. Wellesley Street, from Jarvis Street to (and including) Queen’s Park Circle,
  2. Closed on Saturday, July 2 from 9 a.m. to noon.
  • Dyke March – Saturday, July 2:
  1. March route: starting at Church and Hayden Street, north on Church Street to Bloor Street East, west on Bloor Street East to Yonge Street, south on Yonge Street to Wood Street, and east on Wood Street back to Church Street
  2. Closed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (March is from 2 to 4 p.m.)
  • Pride Parade – Sunday, July 3:
    • Formation area: Rosedale Valley Road, from Bayview Avenue to Park Road Parade route: starting at Church Street and Bloor Street East, west on Bloor Street East to Yonge Street, south on Yonge Street to Gerrard Street, and east on Gerrard Street back to Church Street.
    • Closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Parade from 2 to 6 p.m.)

• Corso Italia Fiesta Weekend Closures:
  • St. Clair Avenue, from Dufferin Street to Lansdowne Avenue,
  • will be closed from Saturday, July 2 at 6 a.m. to Sunday, July 3 at 11:59 p.m.
  • There will also be some local streets closed in this area as a result of this event.

Happy 144th Birthday Canada! / Joyeux Anniversaire Canada!

You're Invited: Celebrate Canada Day & Events with Road Closures July 1 - 4, 2011

You may also like:

CELEBRATE CANADA!: National Aboriginal Day, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Canadian Multiculturalism Day and Canada Day.

The Body Series - The Colour of Beauty

NFB (National Film Board of Canada) Mediatheque in Toronto, Ontario, invites you to a free workshop THE BODY SERIES: THE COLOUR OF BEAUTY. This  Body Series workshop explores:

• the commercialisation of beauty
• how does it get marketed?
• what are the norms?
• who decides, and
• who has the power to affect change?

THE BODY SERIES: THE COLOUR OF BEAUTY

FREE

Thursday, January 27, 5:30 PM

150 John St. (at Richmond St. W), Toronto

1. registration at 5:30 PM
2. workshop and screening at 6 PM

Also, The Body Series workshop includes:

• a screening of The Colour of Beauty (pictured above), a short documentary by Elizabeth St. Philip (Breakin’ In: The Making of a Hip-Hop Dancer),

• followed by a discussion with the filmmaker, Elizabeth St. Philip

• the discussion will be led by Jill Andrew, Director of the BITE ME! Toronto International Body Image Film & Arts Festival, co-presenters of The Body Series

Please register by calling 416-973-3012.

Location and Contact Info
NFB Mediatheque
150 John St. (at Richmond St. W)
Toronto (Osgoode subway station)
M5V 3C3
NFB.ca/mediatheque
416-973-3012

You may also like:

• NFB Mediatheque is Offering You a Chance to Win a Panasonic DMC-LX3 Digital Camera

• You are Invited to NFB Mediatheque’s Screenings of Free Favourites at Four

Enjoy!

NFB Mediatheque's Free Favourites at Four: "Waterlife" on January 19, 2011

From January through March, you are invited to NFB (National Film Board of Canada) Mediatheque every Wednesday at 4pm for a screening of a classic NFB film (or NFB shorts program) for FREE!

The Free Favourites at Four series includes recent docs like Manufactured Landscapes and Waterlife, as well as Oscar-recognized NFB animated shorts.

Here is the complete schedule of Free Favourites at Four screenings
(please click on the highlighted film titles with quotation marks in order to see the trailers, and watch RiP: A Remix Manifesto online for free… in HD):

January 12 – “Capturing Reality: The Art of Documentary”

January 19 – “Waterlife”

January 26 – Manufactured Landscapes

February 2 – “Nollywood Babylon”

February 9 – “RiP: A Remix Manifesto”

February 16 – NFB at the Oscars Program 1

February 23 – NFB at the Oscars Program 2

March 2 – “Fierce Light: When Spirit Meets Action”

March 9 - “Triage: Dr. James Orbinksi’s Humanitarian Dilemma”

March 23 – “The Coca-Cola Case”

Please note that seating is first come, first serve. For adults 18 years and older.

Location and Contact Info
NFB Mediatheque
150 John St. (at Richmond St. W)
Toronto (Osgoode subway station)
M5V 3C3
NFB.ca/mediatheque

Happy Viewing!

NORDIC NIGHTS presents MIESTEN VUORO (STEAM OF LIFE)

Film Directors:  Joonas Berghäll and Mika Hotakainen

Wednesday, November 24, 7 PM

FREE at the NFB Mediatheque

2010, Finland, 81 minutes. In Finnish with English subtitles

NFB (National Film Board of Canada) Mediatheque invites you to “hang out with the guys in their sacred sanctuary – not the bar, but the sauna. This intimate documentary simply lets Finnish men do the talking while relaxing in the warm glow of steaming stoves, opening up about the important things in life, and cleansing themselves physically, mentally and spiritually.  Along the way, the film also highlights some unusually creative sauna construction solutions.”

Steam of Life was recently chosen as Finland’s entry for the 2011 Foreign Language Oscar and made its Canadian premiere at the 2010 Hot Docs Toronto International Documentary Film Festival.

Nordic Nights is presented in partnership with the Consulate of Finland.

Location

NFB MEDIATHEQUE
150 John St., Toronto, Ontario
(at the corner of John Street and Richmond Street)

Contact Info

NFB MEDIATHEQUE
150 John St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 3C3
(at the corner of John Street and Richmond Street)
416-973-3012
NFB.ca/mediatheque

HAPPY VIEWING!

You are invited to join the celebration of  the International Animation Day 2010 at the NFB Mediatheque this Thursday, October 28th.

To mark the International Animation Day, the Get Animated! program of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is providing, from October 28th – November 7th, a Canada-wide series of free screenings, master classes, and activities for adults, families and children as well as special presentations paired with special appearances of acclaimed directors from your area.

You can watch animated films on the big screen for free. And on International Animation Day, this Thursday at 7 pm, there is the free special presentation of Hothouse in the Third Dimension, the first-ever 3D event at the NFB Mediatheque!

NFB Mediatheque will be screening short 3D films from the latest Hothouse program, which are produced from a 12-week apprenticeship (Hothouse 6 Series in 3D) for “emerging Canadian animators who tackled the challenging process of stereoscopic 3D animation.”

Also, after the screening of Hothouse In The Third Dimension, you can participate in a lively discussion on the future of 3D filmmaking with the following special guests of NFB Mediatheque:

• Maral Mohammadian, Associate Producer and Production Manager of StereoLab,
• Hothouse filmmaker Megan Turnbull and
• Hothouse filmmaker Zane Kozak.

To enhance your evening’s enjoyment, there will also be a free screening of Get Animated! New Releases from the NFB immediately after the 3D filmmaking discussion at 9 PM. You will be the first to experience the following NFB’s newest, internationally acclaimed animated short films,  “hot off the festival circuit”:

Complete Get Animated! New Releases Program (1h48 min)
1. The Trenches
2. The Formation of Clouds
3. The Circus
4. The Trembling Veil of Bones
5. The Bare-Wolf
6. Mamori
7. The Bear Facts
8. Flawed
9. Higglety Pigglety Pop! or There Must Be More to Life
10. Lipsett Diaries

Furthermore, these ten short films in the above Get Animated! New Releases Program will be showing again on the big screen at the NFB Mediatheque this Friday for free on October 29th at 7 pm.

Here is the Get Animated! 2010 program:

• Please click here for your area schedule/event info for Animation Screenings: NFB New Releases
• Please click here for your area schedule/event info for Family Program Screenings: Fairy Tales for All

Location and Contact Info:
MEDIATHEQUE
150 John Street
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3C3
416-973-3012

Happy International Animation Day! Enjoy!

Toronto Mediatheque

40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Canada and China

Thanks to the Film Bureau of State Administration of Radio, Film & Television of China, the Embassy of People’s Republic of China in Canada, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) and the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), everyone can enjoy, for free, Canadian premieres of award-winning Chinese films to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and China.

FREE at the NFB Toronto Mediatheque! All films screened in their original versions,  subtitled in English.

Here is the schedule and info of the free films at the NFB Toronto Mediatheque:

Friday, October 8, 6:30 p.m.
Forever Enthralled
2008, Chen Kaige
This epic biopic of famed Chinese opera singer Mei Lanfang, starring Zhang Ziyi and Masanobu Ando, won Best Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in 2009, and won accolades for newcomer Shaoqun Yu and supporting actor Xueqi Wang.

Saturday, October 9, 1 p.m.
The Dream of Jinsha (animated) CANADIAN PREMIERE
2010
Middle-school student Xiao Long accidentally travels back in time to an ancient Chinese kingdom, 3,500 years ago. This is where his uncanny adventure begins.
Screening with the NFB animated film The Friends of Kwan Ming.

Saturday, October 9, 3 p.m.
Walking to School - CANADIAN PREMIERE
2009, Peng Jiahuang and Peng Cheng
The Lisu tribe, which dwells in the heart of Yunnan’s Gongshan Mountains, has a unique method of transportation: Children must slide across the Nujiang Gorge on a hook in order to attend the village school. Wawa (Ding Jiali) is deemed too young and thus is forbidden to join his older sister Naxiang at school. However, he is so desperate to learn that he secretly follows her anyway in order to eavesdrop on her lessons – but his defiance has serious consequences.
Screening with the NFB animated film The Chinese Violin.

Saturday, October 9, 7 p.m.
Confucius
2010, Mei Hu
This epic historical drama, starring Chinese star Chow Yun-Fat, focuses on Confucius’ transformation from an ordinary bookkeeper to a philosopher and sage, and the journey he made to spread his thinking around the then warring kingdoms of northern China.
Screening with the NFB film Roses Sing on New Snow.

Tuesday, October 12, 7 p.m.
Bodyguards and Assassins
2009, Teddy Chen
Hong Kong, 1905 – Before Dr. Sun Yat-Sen can become the Father of Modern China by instigating the revolution of 1911 that ultimately overthrows the Qing Dynasty, his life is almost cut short when he arrives in Hong Kong for a secret meeting to establish a united anti-Qing revolutionary front. Over a distance of just 13 city blocks, the one man who holds a nation’s fate must survive relentless attempts on his life, accompanied by only five bodyguards – a group of ordinary men and women who possess extraordinary fighting skills.

Wednesday, October 13, 7 p.m.
Go Lala Go! – CANADIAN PREMIERE
2010, Xu Jinglei
Genius is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration. That is the case for Du Lala, who begins her career in a Global Top 500 company as a humble receptionist. Lala deals with pressure and frustration with a positive attitude in her climb to the top.
Screening with the NFB film The Chinese Violin.

Wednesday, October 13, 9 p.m.
The Message
2009, Chen Kuo-Fu and Gao Qunshu
Nanking, 1942 – Following a series of assassination attempts on officials of the Japanese-controlled government, the Japanese spy chief gathers a group of suspects in a mansion for questioning. A tense game of cat and mouse ensues as a Chinese code-breaker attempts to send out a crucial message while protecting his own identity.
Screening with the NFB film Fragrant Light.

Contact Info:

NFB Toronto Mediatheque
150 John Street
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3C3
416-973-3012

Happy Anniversary!