VIDEO: Ottawa International Animation Festival brings animation to local schools

_ (press release) _ OTTAWA (

May 26, 2016

) – The Ottawa International Animation Festival, in cooperation with the Community Foundation of Ottawa, and MASC (Multicultural Arts for Schools and Communities), is pleased to bring Animate Ottawa to a number of high schools across the city this spring.

Animate Ottawa is an in-class presentation that gives students the opportunity to explore animation and make their own film all about Ottawa. Participants watch a program of independent animation to get inspired, then create their short film under the guidance of an animation expert.

“We’ve always loved doing outreach activities with students, and we’ve always wanted to collaborate with MASC,” says Kelly Neall, Managing Director at the OIAF. “Animate Ottawa provided us with the perfect opportunity to do both, and highlight the City as well.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNaJEQq210o&feature=youtu.be

Through Animate Ottawa, students will create a short film exploring what they love about Ottawa.  The OIAF will use these films to introduce Ottawa to the hundreds of out-of-town visitors that the Festival brings in each year.  Organizers have already visited two schools and the results are impressive!

Animate Ottawa begins with a screening featuring a variety of independent short animated films curated by OIAF’s Artistic Director, Chris Robinson. The 40 minute program includes a number of works from the National Film Board, from the macabre ( _ The Big Swing _ , Paula Gillgannon) to the adorably absurd ( _ Git Gob _ , Philip Eddols). Also featured is the accomplished _ Paper Man _ from Glebe Collegiate’s David Borish as well as innovative, low tech, personal films like Helen Hill’s _ Mouseholes _ . The goal is to present a program that is designed to inspire students to make a film. Many of these films use simple methods such as cut-outs and found objects, techniques students will be using themselves.

After the screening, students participate in a light table workshop with animation expert Tina LeMoine from MASC. Using natural materials such as pine needles, grains, sand and adding cut out characters, students will manipulate objects on a light table and film them. Students will be encouraged to watch and correct their actions.

The OIAF is excited to bring Animate Ottawa to schools free of charge, giving students the opportunity to experience the world of animation and immerse themselves in the creative arts.

This program is made possible with the financial support of the Community Foundation of Ottawa, and the cooperation of MASC and the National Film Board of Canada.

• 30 - ** ABOUT THE OIAF ** The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) is one of the world’s leading animation events providing screenings, exhibits, workshops and entertainment since 1976. OIAF is an annual five-day event bringing art and industry together in a vibrant hub, with a total attendance of 28,000 artists, producers, students and animation fans from around the world.

This year’s festival runs from

September 21-25, 2016

. For more information about the Ottawa International Animation Festival as well as media passes, visit www.animationfestival.ca https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4kuy8NkHNk&feature=youtu.be ** ** ** ABOUT MASC ** MASC brings the arts and culture alive for over 100,000 children, youth, teachers and seniors each year. With a passionate commitment to provide schools and communities with experiences of artistic excellence and creative process, MASC proudly represents a roster of over 60 professional artists. All MASC artists have undergone Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Working out of diverse cultural traditions, MASC artists offer workshops, performances, artist-in-residence programs and professional development in music, dance, drama, literary, media and visual arts. MASC programs are delivered in English and French, throughout Eastern Ontario and Western Québec to students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, and to youths and adults in a variety of community settings (daycares, museums, NCC, festivals and seniors venues.)

See more at: www.masconline.ca ** ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF OTTAWA ** The Community Foundation of Ottawa is a public, non-profit organization created by and for the people of Ottawa. The Community Foundation’s Charitable Registration number is 11922 7981 RR 0001.

Since 1987, the Community Foundation of Ottawa has been enabling generous citizens to enhance the quality of life in their community and to achieve their own charitable objectives through permanent, well-managed endowments. The Community Foundation of Ottawa works with the community as a trusted partner to fulfill impact philanthropy and bring about positive, systemic and sustainable change in our city and beyond.

Please visit: http://www.cfo-fco.ca