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Inspired by visionary entrepreneur Zita Cobb’s childhood in the remote and resilient community of Fogo Island, Newfoundland. NFB interactive mobile work Far Away From Far Away reimagines the possibilities of Fogo Island and its people.

PRESS RELEASE
27/01/2021

January 27, 2021 – Toronto – National Film Board of Canada

Available on mobile starting February 8, Far Away From Far Away is an interactive experience by directors Bruce Alcock and Jeremy Mendes, written by Michael Crummey, that marks the next chapter in the story of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) and Fogo Island.

Inspired by the early life of visionary Zita Cobb, Far Away From Far Away is an immersive story about a young girl growing up on Fogo Island with her father during the 1960s and ’70s. More than a historical retelling, it interprets its time and place, painting a vivid portrait of rural island life.

Designed exclusively for mobile devices, Far Away From Far Away uses simple, intuitive navigation to take us into rich, long-form storytelling. As we travel through the radical upheaval in Fogo Island’s fishing industry, we witness a dramatic transformation of the local communities. With one foot in the past and the other in the future, audiences tap and swipe through interactive prose, memories and stories.

A special launch screening of Far Away From Far Away followed by a conversation with Michael Crummey and Zita Cobb, moderated by Jane Adey, host of CBC’s The Broadcast, will be livestreamed from The Rooms in St. John’s on January 27, starting at 4 p.m. NST.

About the creative team

Far Away From Far Away is led by Newfoundland-born multimedia creator Bruce Alcock, Webby Award-winning multimedia artist Jeremy Mendes, and award-winning author and poet Michael Crummey, born in Buchans, Newfoundland, and raised in Wabush, Labrador. It was shot by filmmaker Justin Simms, born in Labrador City and now based in St. John’s, with assistance from Fogo Island high school students Bradley Broders, Liam Neil and Jessica Reid. Sound recordist Sacha Ratcliffe and sound designer Shawn Cole round out the key crew.

Far Away From Far Away is produced and executive produced for the NFB by St. John’s film veteran Annette Clarke for the Quebec and Atlantic Studio and by Rob McLaughlin, head of the NFB’s acclaimed Digital Studio in Vancouver.

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Related Products

Electronic Press Kit | Images, trailers, synopses: Far Away From Far Away

French version here | Version française ici.

Media Relations

  • Jennifer Mair
    NFB Publicist – Toronto
    C.: 416-436-0105
    j.mair@nfb.ca | @NFB_Jennifer

  • Wendy Phillips
    Phillips Public Relations Ltd., for the NFB
    902-492-0960 / cell 902-452-6808
    wendy@pprl.ca

  • Lily Robert
    Director, Communications and Public Affairs, NFB
    C.: 514-296-8261
    l.robert@nfb.ca

  • About the NFB

    The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is one of the world’s leading digital content hubs, creating groundbreaking interactive documentaries and animation, mobile content, installations and participatory experiences. NFB interactive productions and digital platforms have won over 100 awards, including 21 Webbys. To access this unique content, visit NFB.ca.