March 22, 2004
For immediate release
National Film Board of Canada announces innovative
Internet Documentary project The Ties that Bind now online
(Vancouver) The National Film Board of Canada is proud to announce that The Ties that Bind Internet Documentary & Community Engagement Project is now online at www.nfb.ca/tiesthatbind.
The Ties that Bind is a unique, innovative and accessible initiative of the NFB’s Pacific Centre that combines traditional linear documentary storytelling with an online presence to encourage learning, as well as providing a forum for an exchange of ideas and active engagement in the community. The site was inspired by a documentary of the same name directed by John Ritchie, co-produced by NFB and Force Four Entertainment, produced in association with CBC Newsworld “Rough Cuts”.
The Ties that Bind documentary follows the Jordan family through two years of transition. Chris has multiple disabilities. His aging mother and father both face serious illness. The whole family must plan for an uncertain future.
Using the Jordan family’s story as a starting point, The Ties that Bind Internet Documentary and Community Engagement Project (www.nfb.ca/tiesthatbind) explores new ways of creating more meaning, ending isolation and taking control of our lives. The web site allows participants to take part in discussions about disability issues, tell their own stories and find links to resources and events in their own communities. It includes practical guides to independent living and updates to the Jordan’s story are posted regularly.
While the site looks deceptively simple, every aspect of it — from choices about font and colour, to close-captioning, audio and visual treatments — was carefully considered to ensure that it is highly accessible to people with various types of physical, intellectual and technological abilities.
The Ties That Bind Internet Documentary and Community Engagement Project is directed by Julie Gendron of Communicopia.net and produced by Tracey Friesen for the National Film Board of Canada.
Since its creation in 1939, the National Film Board of Canada has produced over 10 000 films and won over 4000 awards – including 10 Oscars®. As Canada’s public film producer, the NFB produces and distributes distinctive, culturally diverse, challenging and relevant audiovisual works that provide Canada and the world with a unique Canadian perspective.
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For more information :
Angela Heck
NFB Public Relations
(604) 666-1151
[email protected]