Disney, Pixar and Canada's own National Film Board owe a lot to the pioneers of animated moving pictures.
Auguste and Louis Lumiére, brothers from Lyon, are credited with successfully projecting moving pictures, but it was a Parisian, Charles-Emile Reynaud who showed the first animated film on October 28, 1892. Using his Praxinoscope, his show was called Pantomime Lumineuse and included three cartoons: Pauvre Pierrot, Un bon bock, and Le Clown et ses chiens. Each consisted of 500 to 600 individually painted images.
Sadly, Reynaud's accomplishments were eclipsed three years later by the Lumiére Brothers, and he died a pauper in 1918 after throwing much of his work and equipment into the Seine in frustration. However, his accomplishments are now celebrated every year on Oct. 28 because of International Animation Day.
Started 10 years ago by the Association Internationale du Film d'Animation, based in France, International Animation Day recognizes Reynaud's achievements and celebrates animation created in all countries and by all nationalities.
This year the New Westminster Public Library is participating in the celebration. Join us on Friday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. for an evening of animated short films.
Pre-register by calling the library at 604527-4667.
The National Film Board has a long history of excellent animation beginning when Norman McLaren joined the fledging company in 1941 to open an animation studio and to train Canadian animators. His 1952 film Neighbours won an Academy Award, just the first of many awards for his work and others at the NFB.
At the animation evening, we will show some of the best of National Film Board animated short films. They range from early films such as Neighbours to classics like The Big Snit; from Canadian vignettes like The Log Driver's Waltz to a look at modern working life in The Necktie.
Kick back and enjoy the show, and remember - animated films are not just for kids.
