Alto’s Odyssey: The Next Adventure Awaits

Alto’s Odyssey is the next installment in the Alto mobile game series.

We first wrote about Alto in 2015, when Snowman and Harry Nesbitt launched a beautifully-designed endless runner snowboarding game. The game was so great that even made our Best of 2015 list, and also happened to be a success with the larger public. Roughly three years later, and Alto is back. This time, he’s going on an Odyssey. Alto’s Odyssey brings back a similar design style of the first game, as well as much of the same mechanics. It’s similar enough to the original that it may only appeal to hardcore fans, but it’s still an incredible upgrade. Overall, the game is a vast improvement, with better graphics, locations, and gameplay mechanics.

Alto’s Odyssey, like its predecessor, is heralded mostly for its unique and captivating design style. Playing the game is, as other critics have pointed out, a meditative experience. The character moves smoothly across the screen and the colorful backgrounds are a welcome backdrop to the endless snowboarding runs. In this installment, though, Alto isn’t just snowboarding. He’s “sandboarding” through the desert. Even though this mostly looks and feels the same, it’s a welcome change of scenery. The $4.99 price point may deter some potential fans, but the playability and awesome design of Alto’s Odyssey makes the cost worth every penny.

Alto’s Odyssey: The Next Adventure Awaits posted first on http://film-streamingsweb.blogspot.com

PopCorn TV: Find The TV References

PopCorn TV is an interactive quiz designed around television references.

Test Your TV Knowledge

PopCorn TV was created by PopCorn 66, a French digital design agency. They’re the same creators behind PopCorn Garage, a similar interactive quiz that we covered in 2015. Like PopCorn Garage, PopCorn TV displays a complex, detailed digital picture and asks users to identify the pop culture references within them by clicking and typing your guesses. The difference, perhaps quite obviously, is that PopCorn TV is focused on television shows rather than film. The site displays various items related to TV shows—signs, characters, or other items with hints relating back to the show. Again, there are 66 references hidden in the image in total.

Boost Your Score

The game is played by clicking the items and then typing in your guess at a television show. Each time you answer correctly, you’re awarded a “Bonus Quiz” about the television show you answered. That keeps things interesting, especially if you aren’t as familiar with a wide variety of shows but still want to make the most of PopCorn TV’s interactive quizzes. Each bonus quiz contains a question related to the show, and awards bonus points to your overall score if you answer correctly. Making a mistake, however, lowers your score. You can also zoom in and out of the image in order to answer questions based on observing more detail. For casual TV fans and obsessives alike, PopCorn TV is a wonderfully designed, endlessly fascinating quiz.

PopCorn TV: Find The TV References posted first on http://film-streamingsweb.blogspot.com

The Award for Best Animated Short Goes To…

Let’s face it. This is an impossible category. I will remind again – these awards are completely subjective. They’ve been screened, selected, and voted on by me. That’s it. I say this because I know you’re all going to be outraged that some film or other was left out of this category. I mean, there are favourites like The Cat Came Back, The Sweater, The Danish Poet, Strange Invaders, When the Day Breaks, and so many more. But that’s okay, because after you’ve voted for your favourite of these 5, you can leave your own Top 5 in the comments below.

We’ve been so lucky to work with animators from all over the world. And we’ve been home to legends like Norman McLaren and Evelyn Lambart. Through the, we’ve seen it all. I’ve tried to put together a well-rounded category, with some funny, some sad, some inspirational, and some just downright eerie films.

The Big Snit

This film is completely bonkers. It’s long been one of my favourites, as its humour is right up my alley. Richard Condie is a master, and the way he ties domestic discord to outright nuclear war is genius. It’s an NFB classic.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2Co6DYt

Bob’s Birthday

This is a brilliant film, which I’m ashamed to say, I saw for the first time only recently. It’s true – you can tell because I didn’t include it in my Adult Animation post. I howled through this short; it’s funny, touching, cringe-inducing, and sad – all at the same time. It’s a must-see.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2nev6pm

My Grandmother Ironed the King’s Shirts

I know it was The Danish Poet that brought home the Oscar, and I do love that film, but there’s something about the charm and humour in this film that simply delights me. It’s such a tall tale, filled with flights of fancy and amazing detail. Torill Kove is awe-inspiring. All of her films have such a simple, straightforward style that lets the characters and stories shine. I’m a huge fan of her work.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2Cnhli5

Madame Tutli-Putli

This is another film that I only saw for the first time this past year. It blew me away. The animation is out of this world, and it’s completely mesmerizing to watch. Although I have to admit, some of it was difficult for me and I had to look away. It’s about one woman on the night train, taking an existential journey. But what a character, what exquisite animation. This is the kind of film that haunts you. But in a good way.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2sWSDkJ

Flawed

I fell in love with this film the first time I saw it, right from the first frame. I think it’s an absolute masterpiece. I love the storyboard device as a storytelling style, with the quick drawings and splashes of colour. I love the story itself, and the message it holds for young girls… and women in general. And people. It’s about one woman who learns that it’s not so much about whether she can get along with her boyfriend than it is about whether she can accept herself. This is a film that deserves to be seen.

 

The post The Award for Best Animated Short Goes To… appeared first on NFB/blog.

The Award for Best Animated Short Goes To… posted first on http://film-streamingsweb.blogspot.com

NFB Film Club – Spring 2018

What better way to get through the last third of winter than looking ahead to spring and the incredible program we have lined up for the NFB Film Club. For those of you not in the know, the NFB Film Club provides the opportunity for people to watch new, thought-provoking documentaries, along with classic films and animation for the whole family. And it’s all free! Just check with your local library.

This spring, we’ve put together 6 different programs, 5 for the general public and one geared towards kids.

Aabiziingwashi (#WideAwake)

This program is part of our Indigenous Cinema on Tour program, which offers over 250 films from the NFB’s collection for free to communities and associations who want to screen them across Canada. Included in this program are:

Our People Will Be Healed

Alanis Obomsawin’s 50^th film delves into the Cree Community in Norway House, Manitoba and shows how its been affected by the education system. It’s a hopeful film that shows how in an appropriate learning environment, Indigenous youth can gain the power to realize their dreams.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2orSHnZ

A Better Man

This captivating doc by Attiya Khan and Lawrence Jackman portrays a series of intimated conversations between a formerly-abused girlfriend, and her abuser. It offers a new way of approaching an age-old issue, infusing new energy into the movement to end violence against women.

Memento Mori

Enter Canada’s busiest organ-transplant hospital and see human drama unfold like it’s never before been captured on film. As we pass through the hospital, among the living and the dying, we encounter one family who must make an agonizing decision after the loss of a child.

Gulîstan, Land of Roses

Meet the female fighters of the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) as they battle for democracy in the Middle East. They represent a hidden face of a highly mediatized war: the feminist who stands against ISIS, the armed militants of the so-called Islamic State group.

Freelancer on the Front Lines

We’ve entered an entire new era of news, one in which freelance reporters must figure out how to eke out their living. Enter Jess Rosenfeld, a reporter who covers the thorny politics of the Middle East and is making use of a form of independent, unconventional journalism.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2oCw27N

For Kids – Children’s Program

Seven films have been hand-selected for this program which is sure to please your little ones. It includes two brand new releases.

Hedgehog’s Home

In a lush and lively forest lives a hedgehog. He is respected and envied by the other animals. However, Hedgehog’s unwavering devotion to his home annoys a quartet of insatiable beasts. Together, they march off towards Hedgehog’s home and spark a tense and prickly standoff.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2ndWi7z

The Mountain of SGaana

This film spins a magical tale of a young man who is stolen away to the spirit world, and the young woman who rescues him. Haida filmmaker Christopher Auchter’s dream-like gem brilliantly entwines traditional animation with formal elements of Haida art, which are brought to life by a rich, evocative palette and stylized effects.

Ludovic: A Crocodile in My Garden

In this short film from the Ludovic collection from Co Hoedeman, our young bear reigns over his menagerie of paper animals and their jungle home.

The Dingles

Based on the book of the same name, this animated short shows what happens when an unexpected violent wind disrupts a family’s idyllic life.

I Want a Dog

Sheldon Cohen’s classic tells the tale of a little girl who will do just about anything to prove to her parents she’s ready to take care of a dog of her own.

How Dinosaurs Learned to Fly

Young children everywhere will enjoy the possibly-true story of how a group of rebellious dinosaurs discovered they could fly.

The Juggler

Embark on a surrealistic adventure in this live-action short that features a street-busking juggler who’s mutinous juggling balls take him for a ride.

For more information on the NFB Film Club, contact:
Marianne Di Domenico | 514-283-8953 | m.didomenico@nfb.ca

The post NFB Film Club – Spring 2018 appeared first on NFB/blog.

NFB Film Club – Spring 2018 posted first on http://film-streamingsweb.blogspot.com

The Masters Series: Colin Low

A few weeks ago, I looked at the films of Donald Brittain, a filmmaker known for his incredible narration and love of biographies. Today, we’re looking at the work of Colin Low (1926 – 2016), one of the pillars of the NFB; a man whose career included work on more than 200 productions, spanning a 60-year career.

Low’s films range from social justice experiments to animation to innovation to poetic observation. He had a hand in so many different genres during his career that he has left an indelible mark on the institution.

The Children of Fogo Island

Right off the bat I’m starting with a cheat. I’m chosen this film because it’s absolutely beautiful, but I’m using it to (re)introduce you to the Fogo Island Series (1967-1968). In this series, Low visits Fogo Island and works with the residents, on camera, to bring about social change. Think Challenge for Change.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2HFhHA4

Corral

This film is pure poetry in motion. Low uses his camera to capture the beauty and grace of a cowboy and his horses. At a time when extensive narration was in vogue, Low relied on gorgeous landscapes, majestic beasts, and gentle guitar strumming to tell his story instead. And it all fit together perfectly, giving us a sense of the true West.

oehttps://www.nfb.ca/film/corral/

The Romance of Transportation in Canada

Early in his career, Low took on the art of animation with great gusto. This film was made during the McLaren era, where innovation and experimentation were king. But this film takes a standard form (“industrial” animation) and pokes gentle fun at it while offering up an informative look at the history of how we get around. It was also nominated for an Oscar in 1953.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2GEtRaS

In the Labyrinth

This film is highly regarded as an early predecessor to IMAX, and indeed co-director Roman Kroiter was one of the founders of Multi-Screen Corporation, birthplace of the IMAX film. Low, Kroiter, and Hugh O’Connor got together to produce this multi-camera, multi-screen film for the Canadian pavilion at Expo 67 with the intention of showing how life is lived by people around the world.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2HFCJhT

Moving Pictures

And now for something completely different… Towards the tail end of Low’s career, he put together this film, which presents his collection of war etchings and woodcuts. It’s an intricate doc that uses the technology of the day to provide stunning close ups and remarkable detail, while simultaneously tracing Low’s interest in war and technology.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2GAlsFB

 

The post The Masters Series: Colin Low appeared first on NFB/blog.

The Masters Series: Colin Low posted first on http://film-streamingsweb.blogspot.com

The Award for Best Music Goes To…

A film is nothing without a soundtrack. For some films, the soundtrack can make or break the movie. There are times we remember the music long after we’ve forgotten the plot of the film. There are some soundtracks that stand out from my own youth – Grease, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, 1969, Reality Bites – films that are forever imprinted on my memory solely as a result of the music that accompanied them.

We have so much great music in our collection that this list was really hard to put together. I tried to include films about music, films about musicians, and films that just have great soundtracks. Did I forget your favourite? If so, let me know in the comments. Otherwise, take a look and don’t forget to vote!

RiP: A Remix Manifesto

This film was released right around the time I joined the NFB, and I remember thinking, “Wow! This is not the NFB I grew up with!” Of course, that was a ridiculous thing to say, because there’s ton of NFB content that was incredibly progressive for its time – it’s just through the lens of history that it might not seem the case. But this was one of those films that knocked me off my feet. I have such complicated feelings when it comes to piracy and sampling and content creation in general in the digital age, but this film did a great job summarizing the issues in a highly entertaining way. And the music? It’s just killer. Not only do we get to hear it, we also get to hear the juicy backstories.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/IvFgt6

Rock the Box

I admit this film always leaves me conflicted. I can’t figure out if I agree with her or not. Of course, I can’t judge, having never been in the position she’s in… let’s just say this film makes me think. Which, I guess, is the hallmark of a great documentary. I’m a huge fan of Katherine Monk, and it’s great to see her put together this story of DJ Rhiannon, a female DJ trying to break the glass ceiling in a male-dominated industry. The music is killer.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2ohTI1z

Waterwalker

And the Bill Mason classic makes its second appearance in these awards. Surprised? Don’t be. Canadian rock star Bruce Cockburn provides the score for this, guaranteeing some incredible music. And really, when you’re paddling across Lake Superior, exploring the Canadian wilderness, contemplating art, nature, and religion – what else do you need besides a killer soundtrack?

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2brVIRb

Family Band

What would this category be without an entry from Canada’s band? And the Tragically Hip is arguable just that. A little sad to watch now, in retrospect, but also a beautiful film about what happens when a group of passionate people get together and create some of the best music this country has ever produced. So much of our country’s history is woven through the lyrics of these songs that it’s safe to say they’ve played a part in educating us about our own stories. And the music? Oh, the music. It’s just divine.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2FjCubv

Begone Dull Care

Enjoy the magic of Norman McLaren’s experimental animation as it’s set to the rhythms of the Oscar Peterson Trio. McLaren worked with a lot of jazz music for his animated shorts, and it was hard to pick just one, but this film is just a classic. The lines, the fluidity of movement, the colour, and the sound… the joyous sound. It’s just a pleasure.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2EKYFGt

The post The Award for Best Music Goes To… appeared first on NFB/blog.

The Award for Best Music Goes To… posted first on http://film-streamingsweb.blogspot.com

Try Not To Smile: A Mobile Challenge

Try Not To Smile is an app that challenges you not to smile.

Don’t Smile

If you’re easily entertained, you’re going to have a hard time with Try Not To Smile. You should also love it. If you’re able to keep a relatively straight face, even in the midst of hilarity, then you may have a shot at the leaderboard. Try Not To Smile is a new, fun mobile game with a simple premise: the app shows you videos on a loop while monitoring your face, until you finally give in and crack a smile. The app shows videos in categories like “Dank,” “Fails,” and “Aww,” trying to get you to slip up. Many of the videos are quick, funny clips—the type of content you may have seen on Vine before that app shut down.

Seriously Don’t

Try Not To Smile has “gamified” the app by adding a leader board, which displays the list of names who have held in their laughter for the longest amount of time. Even if you’re usually able to keep a straight face, playing the game can be difficult. Once someone tells you not to laugh, that’s the first thing your mind wants you to do. The clips on the app are so goofy that it’s tough not to laugh at them. Unfortunately, there’s not a ton of content on the app now, so some clips repeat if you’re able to withstand laughing at them. Also, you have to login to the app via Twitter, which isn’t the most convenient option. Still, Try Not To Smile is a fun, cute game that could provide some entertainment when you’re bored.

Try Not To Smile: A Mobile Challenge posted first on http://film-streamingsweb.blogspot.com

Sokanu: Career Discovery Platform

Sokanu offers an in-depth career and personality quiz.

Find Your Career

There are many quizzes online with titles like “What career should you have?” None of them are as thorough, in-depth and, hopefully, accurate, as Sokanu. Sokanu offers a free career and personality quiz. The quiz is extremely long, as the site asks you about your style, work ethic, previous work experiences, and many other aspects about your career aspirations. As you take the quiz, the results update in real-time, so you can always pause to look into a career that the algorithm has chosen for you along the way. Or, you can wait until the end, when all of the sections have been completed, in order to browse the most accurate results. Because of the in-depth nature of the quiz, the end results tend to be very accurate.

Discover Yourself

In addition to the career discovery platform Sokanu offers, they also give you insights into your personality type. You can look over a “Trait Report,” “Archetype Report,” and “Personality Report” in order to gain more insight about your character and how it compares to the rest of the world. It’s similar to 16personalities, but with a more career-oriented focus. You can also browse through the various jobs that Sokanu has selected for you, even previewing job listings that match your careers. You can also view degrees that relate to your choices, so you can make an informed decision as to how to further your education toward your career goals. It’s difficult to describe how great of a quiz Sokanu offers, so head over to the site and check it out for yourself.

Sokanu: Career Discovery Platform posted first on http://film-streamingsweb.blogspot.com

In Tribute to B Movies

Originally, the term B movie referred to the second, lesser film that played during a double feature. If you’re old enough, think of the B-sides of your old 45s. The double feature itself has faded into history, but the term B movie remains. Today, it’s used mainly to refer to low budget, genre films.

Now, it’s true that the NFB is known for its socially-conscious documentaries and auteur animation, but it’s also true that we’ve got a few B-type movies under our belt, too. We’ve put together a few of our favourites. Happy viewing!

Project Grizzly

This is one of those films that makes everybody’s list of treasured cult classics. I mean, come on – we’ve got a guy who builds himself a bear suit and then intentionally throws himself into harm’s way. The whole thing is just a riot, and completely unbelievable. That said, it’s rumoured to be one of Tarantino’s favourite docs.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/1Klt9wi

Devil at Your Heels

With this film we’ve just gone from one crazy stunt (bear suits) to another – vehicular dare devils. (Did I just make that up?) Meet Ken Carter, the man who wants to jump his rocket-powered car across the Saint Lawrence river. If ever there was a character meant for B movies, this is the guy.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2BLDcyV

Series 4

This film might not technically qualify as a B movie, but it certainly has the camp component down pat. Series 4 is a completely psychedelic short that makes use of (often repetitive) images woven together to a monotonous beat for about 7 minutes. But it works. Viewer discretion advised, due to boobs.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2GujlmC

Night Mayor

Director Guy Maddin brings us an inventor who harnesses the power of the aurora borealis in the late 1930s. Need I say more? Viewer discretion advised for this one, too.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2FjM9is

Canada Vignettes: Flin Flon

Mystery, adventure, hidden treasure, and a dime-store novel’s science-fiction hero – I mean, what else can you ask for in a B movie? And it’s all packed into only 3 minutes! Discover how the Manitoba town of Flin Flon got its name in the most fun way possible with this short from the Canada Vignette series.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2Gtow6b

The post In Tribute to B Movies appeared first on NFB/blog.

In Tribute to B Movies posted first on http://film-streamingsweb.blogspot.com

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Instrument

Lorne Collie is no ordinary guitar maker. He’s a retired machinist with an undeniable talent for redefining the art of building stringed instruments by hand. Our doc, Home Cooked Music is all about him.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2EDipA3

Collie was forced into retirement by an aneurysm at the age of 52. After emerging from a coma feeling newly and truly alive, he decided to build his first musical instrument; a guitar made out of a shovel. If you look around the walls of his house today, you’ll see just how far his colourful talent has taken him. He’s built a banjo out of a frying pan, a violin out of a baseball bat, and any number of other unusual instruments. If music can save lives, then Lorne Collie is certainly the living proof!

To create this short of this unusual man, director Mike Maryniuk uses a variety of animation processes (such as stop-motion, animated drawings and collage), along with live-action interviews with Collie and clips from videos shot at various times in his life.

This combination of techniques vividly illustrates the passion that drives this charming character. Far from being just a playful way of passing the time, creating these instruments demands energy and, most of all, a vivid imagination. Collie is bursting with ideas: he hopes to one day build a harpsichord out of a typewriter, and a set of bagpipes blown by a vacuum cleaner!

Another remarkable aspect of Collie’s work is how friendly it is to the environment. Through his creations, he gives a second life to everyday objects that would otherwise no doubt end up in the landfill. Instead, he turns them into musical instruments that sound great and evoke their own past lives!

If you enjoy Home Cooked Music, then here are some other NFB films on musical subjects:

Monsieur Pointu: a masterpiece of animation, nominated for an Oscar in 1975

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2CuwSIw

An Artist: an animated short film by Michèle Cournoyer (1994)

oehttps://www.nfb.ca/film/artist/

The post One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Instrument appeared first on NFB/blog.

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Instrument posted first on http://film-streamingsweb.blogspot.com

The Award for Best Cinematography Goes To…

Awards season continues with a look at the NFB’s contenders for Best Cinematography in a documentary film. Once again, we tried to present you with a mix of classic and newer films in a variety of shooting styles. This category’s contenders rock. It’s a true testament to the incredible talent we’ve seen pass through our doors.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy some truly spectacular movie-making.

High Steel

Cinematographer John Spotton created a visual masterpiece with this 13-minute doc about Mohawk steel workers in the Manhattan construction industry. Join Harold Macomber, of Kahnawake, as he erects skyscrapers with his fellow construction workers. They’re practically fearless and perfectly in sync, orchestrating a strange ballet high up in the sky. There’s a shot at roughly the 6-minute mark of 3 men erecting a corner beam that is simply breathtaking.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2HjoaR1

Waterwalker

Come on. You knew this category couldn’t exist without at least one nomination for a Bill Mason film. The man was a genius at creating beauty, and his work in filmmaking was no exception. Together with cinematographer Ken Buck, Mason created this lush world immersed in the glory of nature. Go along with him and his trusty canoe as he paddles and paints his way across Lake Superior.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2brVIRb

The Grasslands Project – A Rancher’s View

It’s a shame that Scott Parker’s stunning doc about rancher Miles Anderson, his cattle, and the issues he’s having with the Grasslands National Park is only 8 minutes long. Each shot is carefully composed and framed, leaving us with image after image of incredible vistas and prairie scenes. This is a film that breathes through its images – it takes its time, allowing you to enjoy the visual beauty.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2HkRNRN

Stories We Tell

It was pretty obvious that this film would make another appearance in this awards series. Iris Ng’s work on Sarah Polley’s doc about the mysteries of her family history is exquisite. The decision to use a mix of cameras adds texture and depth to the film, allowing us to move effortlessly from the past to the present and back again. Remember – these awards are purely subjective, and I think this film is just a work of art.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2Gx69OH

Ninth Floor

Mina Shum brought DOP John Price along for the ride when she made her first foray into documentary filmmaking, and it was a great choice. This 2015 doc about the infamous Sir George Williams Riot is shot like a feature film, with long, sweeping shots and artistic compositions throughout. It adds dimension to the film, bringing the audience along as it delves into the complicated history of Canadian race relations.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2HkROVR

The post The Award for Best Cinematography Goes To… appeared first on NFB/blog.

The Award for Best Cinematography Goes To… posted first on http://film-streamingsweb.blogspot.com

2018 Winter Olympics | Go #TeamCanada, Go!

The Winter Olympics are in full swing in PyeongChang, and we’re doing great! At the time of writing this post, we’re in the Top 5 with 10 medals, including 3 gold. Way to go, Canada!

Our gold medals were won by Mikael Kingsbury for freestyle skiing, Kaitlyn Lawes and John Morris for mixed doubles curling, and the Canadian figure skating team. Skiing, skating, and curling. Does it get more Canadian than that?

In honour of our gold medalists, we’ve put together a few films in the categories of their sports. Enjoy! And let the games continue.

Gone Curling

Curling is a sport that’s really come back into fashion over the last several years. I don’t recall a single person I know who went curling 10 years ago, but now I know many who go regularly. I’ve never tried it, but I’ve watched it, and I can see how easy it would be to get sucked in. This 10-minute short follows one man’s foray into curling, perfect for the aficionado and the uninitiated alike.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2Cmi7HC

Canada Vignettes: Skier

Mikael Kingsbury isn’t the first Canadian athlete to bring home the gold for freestyle skiing. Canada has done quite well in the event since its introduction in 1992. We’ve had athletes like Alexandre Bilodeau, Jean-Luc Brassard, Ashley McIver (Ski Cross), and Marielle Thompson (Ski Cross). And remember the ’76 Olympics in Innsbruck? And a young woman named Kathy Kreiner?

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2EuIIrX

No Way They Want to Slow Down

It takes a lot of work to be a championship skier. Training for the Olympics is grueling, and filmmaker Giles Walker captures the work and effort that goes into that training in this short doc from 1976. Following the Canadian ski team through Chile and Argentina, we get an up-close look at the equipment, the workouts, the speed, and the athletes themselves as they pursue a dream.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2Co8ZlU

King of Blades

Figure skating is one of those sports everyone loves watching, whether you’re a fan or not. There’s something so graceful, and powerful, about watching these athletes on the ice, executing moves they’ve been practicing so diligently. In this short film, we get a portrait of world figure-skating champion Don Jackson, both at the World Championships, and as a member of the Ice Follies.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2Ev784D

The post 2018 Winter Olympics | Go #TeamCanada, Go! appeared first on NFB/blog.

2018 Winter Olympics | Go #TeamCanada, Go! posted first on http://film-streamingsweb.blogspot.com

Diane Obomsawin Talks I Like Girls

This post was written by animator and illustrator, Diane Obomsawin, where she discusses the inspiration behind her latest animated short film, I Like Girls.

Not so long ago, I remembered that whenever I changed school as a child I would chose a new girl at that school that I would secretly fall in love with. Since I changed school fourteen times as a child, I was often in love.

Decades later, without even realizing it, I continued this secret little habit of mine.

Around the same time that I remembered this little habit I used to indulge in, I was reading a book by Quebec novelist Michel Tremblay where he talked about being sixteen-years-old and realizing that he was gay. Michel said that whenever he would see kissing couple, whether they be on the cover of magazines or in movies, he would always identify with the woman being kissed by the man instead of the other way around.

Since I was curious and could recall similar stories from friends about their same-sex attractions, I called them and asked: “What’s the first memory you have of you being attracted to a woman?”

In the end, ten of my closest friends told me their incredible stories that I adapted them into comics.

Afterward, my producer Marc Bertrand and I decided we wanted to turn those stories into an animated film. In the end, we chose four: the most romantic, the funniest, the saddest, and the most autobiographical.

The title I Like Girls refers to a Jacques Dutronc’s song, which is an iconic song about seduction. I liked the idea that women appropriate what is usually reserved for men as the love of women: cigars and alcohol.

It was important for me to show a form of love that is still marginalized in cinema and culture today, but I think I also made a film about first love  and emotions to which we can all identify.

oehttps://http://ift.tt/2BuYnoB

The post Diane Obomsawin Talks I Like Girls appeared first on NFB/blog.

Diane Obomsawin Talks I Like Girls posted first on http://film-streamingsweb.blogspot.com

Wacaco: Espresso On The Go

Wacaco makes products that let you enjoy espresso on the go.

Make Your Own Espresso

For better or worse, Keurig revolutionized the way coffee is consumed. It’s now possible to have higher quality coffee in almost an instant, without having to run to the nearest Starbucks or local coffee shop. Wacaco, like Keurig, may have revolutionized the coffee game once again. The company makes portable espresso machines, allowing you to make fresh espresso shots without having to use a fancy, expensive machine. Wacaco’s products are about the size of a water bottle, and they start at the relatively affordable cost of $50. For an extra $30, you can buy a case so that it’s easier to carry your Wacaco Minipresso on the go.

The New, Better Keurig

Wacaco’s Minipresso products also come in several colors, from the default black to the bright and vibrant yellow, orange, and red models. In terms of functionality, there are two options. The Minipresso NS uses NS capsules (much in the vein of Keurig pouches) to brew the coffee. The Minipresso GR lets you use your own ground coffee, so you can test out different measurements and roasts. Both are the exact same cost, and which one you pick depends on your coffee preferences. Although the company is based in Hong Kong, they’re currently shipping worldwide. If you’ve ever craved espresso on the go, or been in a situation where you were desperate for coffee but unable to find it anywhere, consider Wacaco.

Wacaco: Espresso On The Go posted first on http://film-streamingsweb.blogspot.com