Cannes recognizes NFB's 70th birthday

The French city of Cannes, home to one of the world's most prestigious film festivals, has awarded a gold medal to the National Film Board of Canada to mark its 70th anniversary.

NFB chairman Tom Perlmutter received the award Saturday at a ceremony hosted by municipal Coun. Catherine Vouillon.

The NFB has a 50-year association with Cannes, having presented works at the Cannes Film Festival and participated in Cannes-based film markets MIPCOM, MIPDOC and MIPTV.

It has won 20 awards at the Cannes festival, including a Palme d'Or in 1955, for Norman McLaren's Blinkity Blank. It is a partner in the short film corner at the festival and annually presents the Norman McLaren Award to a short film screening in competition.

The NFB  is a publicly financed producer of documentaries, animated films, alternative drama and digital content.