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
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.