Passing of André Provencher. The NFB honors the memory of a great builder of the Canadian audiovisual and cultural industry.
PRESS RELEASE
03/01/2026
January 3, 2026 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
It is with deep sadness that the NFB learned of the passing of André Provencher. A skilled administrator and strategist, André Provencher was an ardent ambassador for cultural outreach. His vision and commitment have left a lasting mark on the Canadian audiovisual industry.
A member of the NFB’s board of trustees for seven years, he brought invaluable expertise acquired over the course of a remarkable career as a senior executive and administrator in various cultural spheres. His enlightened leadership and in-depth knowledge of a constantly evolving industry made him a sought-after collaborator and leading advisor.
A recipient of numerous awards and distinctions, including the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal, the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières award, the Raphaël Prize from the Séminaire de Nicolet, as well as several Gemini and CanPro awards, André Provencher embodied the union of expertise and forward-thinking vision.
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“I would like to share with you a note that André wrote very recently: ‘The NFB will remain in my eyes an essential space of creative freedom for documentary professionals and craftspeople, and without a doubt the most vibrant embodiment of Canadian talent and its impressive renown across the planet.’ André was a great defender of the importance of culture in our society, of intellectual property, and of the Francophonie. I will miss the insightful and passionate conversations I had with him. André was a man of heart, generous and profoundly human. Thank you for everything, André.” — Suzanne Guèvremont, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the NFB.
The NFB offers its most sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and all those who had the privilege of working with him, and expresses its profound gratitude.
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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 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, 7,000 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 12 Oscars and an Honorary Academy Award for overall excellence in cinema.