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Frédéric Back Classics

Frédéric Back Classics

World-renowned animated filmmaker Frédéric Back (1924-2013) devoted his unique talent to a cause that was central to his life and is more topical than ever: a profound respect for nature coupled with a keen sense of humanity's responsibility toward the environment. This 4-disc DVD box set includes: The Man Who Planted Trees (Oscar Winner) - Crac! (Oscar Winner) - The Mighty River - Taratata! - Illusion? - Inon or the Conquest of Fire - The Creation of Birds - All Nothing - Abracadabra. These masterpieces are accompanied by commentary from Frédéric Back and his producer Hubert Tison, as well as close to 40 photos documenting the artist's work. Frédéric Back's films have been described as ''painting in motion''. Combining the patient, painstaking craftsmanship of a medieval illuminator with modern film animation techniques, this timeless art speaks and educates. Each film attests in its own way to the beauty and fragility of nature, as well as to the impact of human activity on this irreplaceable heritage.

  • 2014
  • 5-8
  • 9 Titles

Included in this collection

Abracadabra

CBC Animation Abracadabra

The film is an allegorical tale cautioning against the dangers of exhausting an indispensable natural resource, here represented by the sun. Frédéric Back has long believed that animation for children should deliver a message in an entertaining manner.
  • 1970
  • 00:09:21
  • 5-8
  • Added on: 02/11/2014
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All Nothing

CBC Animation All Nothing

For too long, we have held the mistaken belief that the world was created entirely for our benefit. As countless plant and animal species become extinct, our generous planet has little left to offer: clean water and lush forests are becoming increasingly rare. The film ends, however, on a positive note: Frédéric Back cherishes the hope that future generations will ...
  • 1978
  • 00:10:59
  • 5-8
  • Added on: 12/07/2013
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Crac!

CBC Animation Crac!

In this charming tale tinged with nostalgia, Frédéric Back takes us back to rich traditions swept aside by the relentless forces of progress and urbanization. Crac! is the sound of a falling tree, chopped down to make the chair. It's the sound of the chair as it rocks. It's also the sound of the rift in our lives when change ...
  • 1981
  • 00:15:01
  • 5-8
  • Added on: 01/14/2014
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Illusion?

CBC Animation Illusion?

"Every flower, every insect, every animal is a miracle waiting to be discovered, a marvel to be respected and loved. But we like to replace them with our own inventions, served up by the magicians of advertising, the promoters of progress and over-consumption. Unfortunately, these inventions are outmoded all too quickly. They break down, often taking with them that which ...
  • 1975
  • 00:11:30
  • 5-8
  • Added on: 10/08/2013
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Inon or the Conquest of Fire

CBC Animation Inon or the Conquest of Fire

In this film inspired by an Algonquin legend, fire is kept from humankind by Inon, the God of Thunder. The animals set off to capture the god's fire and bring it back to their human counterparts. The story is set at a time when humans and animals understood each other and lived in harmony with nature.
  • 1971
  • 00:09:35
  • 5-8
  • Added on: 10/15/2013
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Taratata!

CBC Animation Taratata!

"These parades were an occasion to honour traditional values or demonstrate progress by way of allegorical floats. Presented each year on June 24 in cities and towns all over Quebec, they gave local musicians and brass bands a chance to display their talents. Children adored the pageant with its splendid uniforms. The day would end with a great fireworks display. ...
  • 1976
  • 00:08:32
  • 5-8
  • Added on: 12/07/2013
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Teacher Guide(s)

  • How to Use Video Effectively in the Classroom [.pdf]

The Creation of Birds

CBC Animation The Creation of Birds

The beautiful days of summer come to a sudden end as the children flee before Howling Wolf, the terrible wind of the cold. They take shelter in the forest. Howling Wolf strips the trees of their beautiful coloured leaves, but is unable to find the children hiding among the evergreens. So he joins forces with White Bear, the snow, to ...
  • 1972
  • 00:10:04
  • 5-8
  • Added on: 10/15/2013
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The Man Who Planted Trees

CBC Animation The Man Who Planted Trees Must-See

2012 marked the 25th anniversary of the Oscar® win for The Man Who Planted Trees. Frédéric Back’s previous Oscar® win for Crac! allowed him to fulfill his dream of bringing Jean Giono's wonderful story to the screen. Its environmental message and philosophy of life reflect the concerns already addressed by Back in his previous films. The seeds that the shepherd plants are the ...
  • 1987
  • 00:30:30
  • 5-8
  • Added on: 06/14/2013
More details

Teacher Guide(s)

  • How to Use Video Effectively in the Classroom [.pdf]

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