The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more

Pas de deux

Norman McLaren
1968 | 13 min
This short film by Norman McLaren is a cinematic study of the choreography of ballet. A bare, black set with the back-lit figures of dancers Margaret Mercier and Vincent Warren create a dream-like, hypnotic effect. This award-winning film comes complete with the visual effects one expects from this master filmmaker.

Awards and distinctions

  • Top Film of the Festival
    International Festival of Short Films, Philadelphia
    1971
  • Prix du Secrétaire d'État auprès du Premier Ministre chargé à la jeunesse, des sports et des loisirs
    Festival of Music and Dance, Menton
    1971
  • Trophy of the Festival
    Festival international du film à format réduit, Salerno
    1970
  • Best Short FIlm Award
    International Film Festival, Panama City
    1970
  • Blue Ribbon Award
    Itinerant - American Film and Video Festival, New York
    1970
  • Emily Award
    Itinerant - American Film and Video Festival, New York
    1970
  • First Place - Category: Creative Art
    Golden Sheaf Awards /Short Film and Video Festival, Yorkton
    1969
  • Honourable Mention - Golden Plaque - Category: Short Film
    Film Critics and Journalists Association of Ceylon, Colombo
    1969
  • Honourable Mention - Category: Short Film
    International Film Festival, Colombo
    1969
  • Silver Orchid Award for the singular and rigorous application of the principle of animated cinema to a study of motion in dance
    International Film Festival of Ballet, Nervi
    1969
  • Grand Prize - Category: Short Subject
    International Film Festival, Melbourne
    1969
  • Best Animation Film
    BAFTA / British Academy of Film & Television Awards, London
    1969
  • First Prize - Best Short Film
    International Film Festival, Phnom Penh
    1968
  • Outstanding Film of the Year Award
    London Film Festival, London
    1968
  • Special Plaque of the Jury
    International Film Festival, Chicago
    1968
  • Silver Cabildo for the Most Original Film
    International Short Film Festival, Buenos Aires
    1968
  • Special Prize for Outstanding Artistic Achievement
    Annual Canadian Film Awards, Toronto
    1968
  • Diploma of Honour
    International Film Festival, Locarno
    1968