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Watch the full version of Mabel, Teresa MacInnes’s NFB documentary about 90-year-old hairdressing dynamo Mabel Robinson, Dec. 27 on CBC Nova Scotia. This holiday season, discover the story of Hubbards’ own queen of shampoo ‘n’ sets.

PRESS RELEASE
19/12/2016

Mabel

December 19, 2016 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

Following the world premiere of Teresa MacInnes’s National Film Board of Canada (NFB) short documentary Mabel at the Atlantic Film Festival, 90-year-old hairdresser Mabel Robinson of Hubbards, Nova Scotia, became an online sensation when CBC Nova Scotia aired a 30-second teaser clip of the film, generating millions of views and hundreds of heartfelt comments.

So it’s only fitting that the full version of Mabel is making its world television premiere on Tuesday, December 27, at 6:30 p.m. on CBC Nova Scotia―back where so much of the excitement began. Chosen as one of the best local films of 2016 by The Coast’s Stephanie Clattenburg, it’s a heartfelt, truly Nova Scotian story that’s a great family experience for the holidays.

Mabel Robinson broke barriers back in the ’40s when she became the first woman in Hubbards to launch her own business—a hairdressing salon where she still provides shampoo and sets over 70 years later, catering to a faithful but dwindling clientele. “They’re all dying on me, but I’m still going strong,” she observes with customary wry humour.

At a time when most people’s dreams revolve around retiring as early as possible, Mabel tells a different story. It shows how diligent work, however repetitive and humble, can be a path to meaningfulness, purpose and dignity in the golden years, especially if it springs, as in Mabel’s case, from one’s heart, and connects one to one’s community.

An affectionate documentary portrait from the hand of Halifax filmmaker Teresa MacInnes, Mabel weaves animation and archival imagery with intimate interview footage, exploring the power of community and friendship. The film is produced and executive produced by Annette Clarke.

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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.