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Ultra-Short Films
A selection of ultra-short films for your viewing pleasure.
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The ClockIris Boudreau & Francis Papillon 2019 2 minCathon has found something wonderful in the recycling bin—a birdsong clock. But Iris isn’t totally on board with her friend’s taste, so she seeks a compromise. She wonders how people told time before clocks. -
PigbirdRichard Condie 1981 3 minThis Richard Condie animated short tells the zany story of a cagey citizen's success at getting a forbidden “animal” through customs and the disastrous results that follow. A humorous reminder that health and safety rules are made for a reason and broken at everyone's peril, this film was produced for Customs and Excise Canada.
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MeltdownCarrie Mombourquette 2012 1 minIn this short animation, a polar bear must try his luck finding a job in the big city when the last of his Arctic ice environment disappears. It’s hard fitting into the human world, however, so this bear finds a more creative solution to his predicament.
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Fort Prince of Wales1978 1 minA Canada Vignette giving a humorous animated version of the history of Fort Prince of Wales from its construction to its capture by the French.
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All the RageAlexandra Lemay 2014 1 minA mink walks into a fur store. Fantastic Mr. Fox meets The Shining in this stop-motion cautionary tale of what happens when we don’t think enough about what we buy.
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The GiantDenis Nokony 1987 2 minThis animated short tells the story of Edouard Beaupré, a.k.a. the Willow Bunch Giant. At 2.5 m (8’ 3”), he was the tallest Canadian in history. Born in 1881 in a small Métis community south of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, his life was tragically cut short in 1904 while he was “on display” at the St. Louis World’s Fair.
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The GlassesCathon , Iris Boudreau , … 2019 2 minCathon proudly shows off her new glasses. Iris is at a loss for words—she’s speechless with admiration. Where do eyeglasses even come from, and how did people first get them to stay on their noses?
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Hinterland Who's Who: Grizzly1972 1 minThis very short documentary from the Hinterland Who’s Who series introduces viewers to the grizzly bear.
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OrangeSylvie Trouvé 2009 1 minThis animated short poses some interesting questions: what if buildings pulsed, trees tapped out beats, or shadows could whistle a tune? Through the creative interpretation and animation of the city's natural rhythms, Orange orchestrates a contagious urban dance.
Produced as part of the 5th edition of the NFB’s Hothouse apprenticeship. -
Emergency NumbersJohn Weldon 1984 2 minThis short animation from Oscar® winner John Weldon is a hilarious "cat and dog fight" film that also reminds us to keep emergency numbers close to our telephones.
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The Maple LeafPaul Bochner 1978 1 minIn this animated short, the maple leaf on the Canadian flag turns into two profiles that illustrate the many relationships between people.
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Hinterland Who's Who: The Bison1973 1 minThis very short documentary from the Hinterland Who's Who series introduces viewers the bison.
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FacesPaul Bochner 1978 1 minThis short animation attempts to show the landscape of Canadians through a series of transforming faces -- young, old and from many different backgrounds, illustrating the great variety of people living in the country.
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Missed ConnectionTabitha Fisher 2011 1 minIn this animated short, a delusional young man spots the girl of his dreams in his favourite café and weaves a self-indulgent fantasy story of their imagined life together. Missed Connection examines our universal desire to connect in a world of beautiful strangers.
Produced as part of the 7th edition of the NFB’s Hothouse apprenticeship. -
The EggJean-François Pouliot & Robert Bélisle 1979 1 minIn this animated short from the Canada Vignette series, learn how societies in evolution are often in danger of self-destruction.
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Understanding the Law: The CoatDiane Obomsawin 1999 3 minIn this animated short, a fashion-conscious shopper sees beautiful coats advertised in the newspaper. The next day, he's the first in line to get his at the store. But they won't sell him one! "These are women's coats," the store owner says. "For women only!" On the grounds that the newspaper ad constitutes a contract, the customer takes the vendor to court to win his right to the coat.
Understanding the Law: The Coat is episode 1 in a series of short, funny films designed to demystify everyday aspects of Canadian civil law. -
Understanding the Law: The WormDiane Obomsawin 1999 3 minIn this animated short, Mrs. Popcorn is shocked to discover a worm in her canned drink. When the beverage company refuses to accept the blame, she's outraged! An intrepid consumer, Mrs. Popcorn takes the company to court for negligence. The Understanding the Law series is designed to demystify everyday aspects of Canadian civil law. Wry humour and a whimsical style make this informative series lively and memorable.
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The RoommateStephanie Braithwaite 2014 1 minFed up with her roommate’s incessant shopping and hoarding, a girl takes matters into her own hands in this comical take on vlogging and the art of co-habitation.
Produced as part of the 10th edition of the NFB’s Hothouse apprenticeship. -
Hinterland Who's Who: Canada Goose1967 1 minThis very short documentary from the Hinterland Who’s Who series introduces viewers to the Canada goose.
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Instant FrenchAndré Leduc 1979 1 minThis animated short is a take on the "As Seen on TV" commercials, or the K-Tel ads of yesteryear. In this parody version, the ad attempts to sell an electronic device that allows one to speak fluent, effortless French.
Please note that this film was produced in 1979 and reflects certain attitudes and thinking of its era. The last scene of the film includes negative stereotyping of Jews living in Quebec. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. While the film does not represent today’s views as perspectives of Canadians (and the NFB) have evolved and we have become more conscious regarding issues of discrimination and minority rights, the film is presented in its original version because to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these stereotypes never existed. -
The French FriesIris Boudreau & Francis Papillon 2019 2 minIris is about to greedily devour her lunch—a mountain of fries—and her friend gives her a lecture. In Cathon’s opinion, fries are not a balanced meal. And yet they’re in Canada’s Food Guide. Or are they? Maybe not.
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Catapult CanadaBill Maylone 1985 1 minThis short stop-motion animation takes a humorous look at the theme of transportation. Forget trains and planes—the best way to get across the country is by catapult!
