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NFB.ca streams Theodore Ushev’s Oscar-nominated animated short Blind Vaysha free of charge, from Feb. 19 to Oscar night, Feb. 26. Will this Canadian short take home Oscar gold? Watch it and decide for yourself!

PRESS RELEASE
16/02/2017

February 16, 2017 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

As the Academy Awards approach, Canadians will be able to watch Theodore Ushev’s Oscar-nominated National Film Board of Canada (NFB) animated short Blind Vaysha free of charge at NFB.ca―starting February 19 right up to the Academy Awards on February 26―and then tune in to see if Canada takes home the Oscar.

It’s the first Academy Award nomination for Ushev and the 74th for the NFB, which has received more Oscar nominations than any other film organization based outside of Hollywood.

In Blind Vaysha, a girl is trapped in time: her left eye sees only the past while her right eye sees only the future. Like a terrible curse, Vaysha’s split vision prevents her from living in the present. Blinded by what was and tormented by what will be, she’s unable to see the reality that exists in the present. In this animated film adapted from the philosophical short story by Georgi Gospodinov, Ushev uses an expressive and powerful style poised halfway between religious paintings and linocuts, creating a film that is both symbolic and accessible. Featuring bucolic European landscapes and Benedictine architecture, and brilliantly narrated by actress Caroline Dhavernas, Blind Vaysha is a captivating metaphoric tale about the difficulty of being in the here and now.

Originally from Bulgaria, Theodore Ushev has made Montreal his home since 1999, quickly establishing himself as a prolific, award-winning animator, working mainly with the NFB. Already Ushev’s most acclaimed film to date, with almost 20 Canadian and international honours to its credit, Blind Vaysha is produced at the NFB by Marc Bertrand and executive producer Julie Roy, with the participation of ARTE France.

The 89th Academy Awards will take place February 26, 2017, at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. The NFB has won 12 Oscars over its 78-year history, including a 1989 Honorary Academy Award for overall excellence in cinema.

Blind Vaysha is also currently nominated for the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television Award for Best Animated Short, to be presented at 5th Canadian Screen Awards in March.

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  • About the NFB

    For more than 80 years, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) has produced, distributed and preserved those stories, which now form a vast audiovisual collection—an important part of our cultural heritage that represents all Canadians.

    To tell these stories, the NFB works with filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds, from across the country. It harnesses their creativity to produce relevant and groundbreaking content for curious, engaged and diverse audiences. The NFB also collaborates with industry experts to foster innovation in every aspect of storytelling, from formats to distribution models.

    Every year, another 50 or so powerful new animated and documentary films are added to the NFB’s extensive collection of more than 14,000 titles, half of which are available to watch for free on nfb.ca.

    Through its mandate, its stature and its productions, the NFB contributes to Canada’s cultural identity and is helping to build the Canada of tomorrow.