National Film Board – The National Film Board of Canada will be hosting an Open House between 10 am and 3 pm on Sunday, Sept. 30th as part of the line-up for Journees de la culture. The purpose of the occasion is to give the public the opportunity to peer inside the fascinating world of film-making at its legendary headquarters at 3155 Côte-de-Liesse Road in Ville Saint-Laurent before the NFB packs up and moves next spring to ÃŽlot Balmoral, its new flagship building in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles downtown.
It’s the “last chance” to see and explore the inner workings of film-making at the historic location that Canada’s public film-maker has called home since 1956, says Claude Joli-Coeur, Government Film Commissioner of the NFB. “I’m bringing my mother in a wheelchair,” he says, noting that the facilities are “totally accessible” and activities are “family-friendly.” Participants will be able to choose between an indoor tour by NFB guides and an outdoor tour of the heritage building and its surroundings by Heritage Montreal. Both events are free of charge and free parking is also available.
There are two components to the Open House: a guided tour that’s approximately an hour-and-a-half long, and special activities that you can sign up for individually when you arrive. The indoor circuit includes a tour of the sound studio to learn about sound mixing, as well as a visit to the screening room where trailers and excerpts of films will be shown.There will be an exhibit on animation, and workshops for those who want to try their hands at a few things. Visitors are welcome to stay at the NFB for the entire day. The NFB is planning to open its doors to as many visitors as possible, Joli-Coeur says. “Just tell people to come in and we’ll take care of them.”.
