April 25, 2017 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
The National Film Board of Canada, in partnership with Place des Arts and the Society for the Celebrations of Montréal’s 375th Anniversary, is unveiling a remarkable project commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Montreal World’s Fair: a free, immersive experience called Expo 67 Live. This journey through the greatest moments of Expo 67 will take place every evening, from September 18 to 30, 2017, at the Place des Arts Esplanade. Created by multi-disciplinary artist K (Karine Lanoie-Brien), Expo 67 Live was produced at the NFB by executive producer René Chénier. Radio-Canada is also a partner in the event.
In the same avant-garde spirit as the multi-screen audiovisual experiences of the 1967 World’s Fair, Expo 67 Live tells a cinematic story across 12 screens, using more than 2,000 archival images.
Also, starting today, the NFB is offering special online programming—including the essential short film Impressions of Expo 67 and the legendary In the Labyrinth—to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Expo 67. These and other titles are available at nfb.ca/expo67.
Quotes
“On the occasion of Canada 150 and the 375th anniversary of the city of Montreal, I am delighted to see the development of Canadian expertise in cinematography. The National Film Board’s multimedia Expo 67 Live project is a real treasure from our archives. Our government is proud to support and promote our cultural sector’s artists and creators.”
— The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“For Montreal, Expo 67 was an extraordinary springboard that contributed to the city’s reputation as a metropolis open to the world. The Gouvernement du Québec is proud to support this NFB initiative, which captures the effervescence of this historic event through a unique artistic lens.”
— Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security, and Minister Responsible for the Montreal Region
“Expo 67 put Montreal on the map. And for Quebecers, it was also a window onto the world.”
— Gilbert Rozon, Commissioner, Society for the Celebrations of Montréal’s 375th Anniversary
“Place des Arts is delighted to be a partner with the NFB on Expo 67 Live, with its extraordinary projections, custom-designed to be screened on the facades of buildings in our cultural complex. This unique and spectacular project, marrying audiovisual and digital media, is a first for the Esplanade de la Place des Arts—Montreal’s venue par excellence for large-scale events. Visitors will be transported to an important moment in the history of our city—a moment in which Place des Arts played a key part, with the inauguration of the theatre building in 1967 during the World Festival of Entertainment, which took place during Expo 67.”
— Marc Blondeau, President and CEO of Place des Arts
“At Expo 67, the NFB offered visitors a completely new experience: In the Labyrinth, a precursor to the IMAX technology. Fifty years later, we’re back with an immersive production that will not only strike a chord with those who experienced Expo 67 but will also capture the imaginations of younger generations who’ve heard of Expo but didn’t see it. Thank you to our partners who made this ambitious production possible.”
— Claude Joli-Coeur, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the NFB
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Associated Links
Place des Arts
Society for the Celebrations of Montréal’s 375th Anniversary
Radio-Canada
NFB – Expo 67: 50 years later
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About the NFB
Founded in 1939, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is a one-of-a-kind producer, co-producer and distributor of distinctive, engaging, relevant and innovative documentary and animated films. As a talent incubator, it is one of the world’s leading creative centres. The NFB has enabled Canadians to tell and hear each other’s stories for over eight decades, and its films are a reliable and accessible educational resource. The NFB is also recognized around the world for its expertise in preservation and conservation, and for its rich and vibrant collection of works, which form a pillar of Canada’s cultural heritage. To date, the NFB has produced more than 14,000 works, 6,500 of which can be streamed free of charge at nfb.ca. The NFB and its productions and co-productions have earned over 7,000 awards, including 11 Oscars and an Honorary Academy Award for overall excellence in cinema.
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About Place des Arts
The objectives of the Société de la Place des Arts de Montréal are to operate a business for the dissemination of the performing arts, to administer the Place des Arts de Montréal and the Amphithéâtre Fernand-Lindsay in Joliette, and to establish the arts programming at the Maison symphonique for organizations other than the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. These activities are to be conducted, more specifically, so as to provide a residence for major arts organizations and improve access to the various types of performing arts, and to promote arts and culture in Quebec. The Société produces, co-produces, and hosts artistic works originating in Quebec or abroad, featuring both emerging artists and international stars, in collaboration with arts organizations, producers, creators, and the entire cultural community.
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About the Society for the Celebrations of Montréal’s 375th Anniversary
The Society for the Celebrations of Montréal’s 375th Anniversary is a non-profit organization whose mission is to organize the festivities and socioeconomic initiatives that will mark Montreal’s 375th birthday in 2017. With a focus on promoting Montreal expertise, it acts as a catalyst for initiatives that come together to fulfill its mandate: to mobilize the community, implement a funding strategy, manage financial resources wisely, develop an exceptional program of events and promote the festivities.
The Society receives financial support from the Ville de Montréal, the Canadian government and the Quebec government, as well as private funding from 12 great Montrealers. For more information: 375mtl.com
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To learn more about the Gouvernement du Québec’s contribution to Montreal’s 375th anniversary, click here.