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
Skip to content Accessibility
My List
Your request could not be processed.
This film is already in your list
New release
Coming 
None

Mabel

2016 20 min
Leaving soon

Feisty, fiercely independent and firmly rooted in place, 90 year-old Mabel Robinson broke barriers back in the 40s when she became the first woman in Hubbards, Nova Scotia, to launch her own business—a hairdressing salon where she still provides shampoo-n-sets over 70 years later. Weaving animation and archival imagery with intimate and laugh out loud moments in the salon, the film celebrates the power of friendship, doing what you love and staying active. With no desire to retire anytime soon, Mabel gives voice to a generation who are not front and center of cinema or the pop hairstyles of the …

We're sorry, this content is not available in your location.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.
Not available
Share
Mabel

Details

Feisty, fiercely independent and firmly rooted in place, 90 year-old Mabel Robinson broke barriers back in the 40s when she became the first woman in Hubbards, Nova Scotia, to launch her own business—a hairdressing salon where she still provides shampoo-n-sets over 70 years later. Weaving animation and archival imagery with intimate and laugh out loud moments in the salon, the film celebrates the power of friendship, doing what you love and staying active. With no desire to retire anytime soon, Mabel gives voice to a generation who are not front and center of cinema or the pop hairstyles of the day, and subtly shifts the lens on our perception of beauty and the elderly.
Seniors Women - Portraits All subjects
Fascinating People All channels
  • featuring
    Mabel Robinson
    Lola Ewing
    Ruby Johnstone
    Nellie Westhaver
  • writer
    Teresa MacInnes
  • director
    Teresa MacInnes
  • director of photography
    Kent Nason
  • sound recordist
    Arthur McKay
  • animation
    Frank Forrestall
  • sound design
    Judith Gruber-Stitzer
  • original music
    Judith Gruber-Stitzer
  • editor
    Teresa MacInnes
  • foley artist
    Karla Baumgardner
  • dialogue editor
    Tristan Capacchione
  • musician
    Yves Adam
    Rich Irwin
    Amanda Keesmaat
    Tanya Laperriere
  • big band arrangement
    Dave Gossage
  • stills photography
    Shirley Robb
  • researcher
    Teresa MacInnes
    Wanda Nolan
  • production supervisor
    Roz Power
  • technical coordinator
    Jean-François Laprise
    Chris MacIntosh
  • assistant editor
    Cheryl Murgatroyd
  • online editor
    Yannick Carrier
  • title design
    Mélanie Bouchard
  • foley recording
    Luc Léger
  • music recording
    Luc Léger
  • music recording assistant
    Philippe Jeansonne
  • re-recording
    Jean Paul Vialard
  • production coordinator
    Sarah Gignac
  • senior production coordinator
    Kelly Davis
  • marketing manager
    Paule Béland
  • legal counsel
    Dominique Aubry
  • studio administrator
    Leslie Anne Poyntz
  • publicist
    Pat Dillon
  • producer
    Annette Clarke
  • executive producer
    Annette Clarke

Enjoy the NFB experience on your favourite device

Roku Apple TV Fire TV Android TV Apple App Store Google Play Store

Education

Ages 13 to 18
School subjects
Family Studies/Home Economics - Aging/Death and Dying Family Studies/Home Economics - Feminism Family Studies/Home Economics - Relationships Health/Personal Development - Careers & Education

Warnings: smoking

What are some of Mabel’s thoughts on longevity? What challenges did Mabel face as a young woman getting her education and starting her own business with a family? What has contributed to Mabel’s success in her business? How were Mable and Nellie impacted by the deaths of their husbands? Why is the ability to drive important to Mabel? What are some challenges that Mabel and her friends face as they age? Why does Mable appreciate having her son live next door? Why does she say, “You can’t stop. Once you stop, you’re dead.”

Mabel
Purchase options
Billing Information
Already paid to see this film?
Payment information

Home licence (worldwide); Classroom licence (Canada only)

You may download this film for private, personal or classroom use only. Public screenings and institutional (non-educational institutions) uses are not permitted. Download films in standard or high definition. (Please note that bonus materials are not available for DTO films.) You can copy each file up to 5 (five) times, onto various devices. DTO films cannot be hosted on a streaming server. To add DTO films to an institutional or educational streaming server, please contact a sales agent to discuss pricing.

Institutional License

The institutional price includes the rights to screen this film in institutional settings and in free public screenings.

Explore