This feature doc tells the story of the improbable friendship between acclaimed Quebec singer Félix Leclerc and the intriguing Frank Randolph Macpherson. A chemical engineer from Jamaica, Macpherson immigrated to Quebec in 1917 and was the inspiration for the popular song that Leclerc named after him. But this is also a story about memory: it was animator Martine Chartrand’s memory of this song that compelled her to create the striking animated short MacPherson, made by filming paintings on glass using 35mm film. A sympathetic look at an artist at work, Finding Macpherson takes audiences on a personal journey, exploring the …
This feature doc tells the story of the improbable friendship between acclaimed Quebec singer Félix Leclerc and the intriguing Frank Randolph Macpherson. A chemical engineer from Jamaica, Macpherson immigrated to Quebec in 1917 and was the inspiration for the popular song that Leclerc named after him. But this is also a story about memory: it was animator Martine Chartrand’s memory of this song that compelled her to create the striking animated short MacPherson, made by filming paintings on glass using 35mm film. A sympathetic look at an artist at work, Finding Macpherson takes audiences on a personal journey, exploring the imperceptible yet powerful connections that bind us to each other.
Ages 13 to 18
Arts Education - Music
Diversity - Black Studies
History and Citizenship Education - Culture and Currents of Thought (1500-present)
History and Citizenship Education - Quebec Society Since 1980
Media Education - Film Animation
Ideal for essays and debates on African-Canadian history and cultural history. Why is the story of Frank Macpherson compelling for animator Martine Chartrand? Compare her animated film with the song by Félix Leclerc and the history recounted in this film. How do the different versions tell different stories? Discuss the role of the artist in telling stories of our past. Why is it important for Chartrand to create her film? What value does it have for Canadians?