Frederic Back, Nature Above All March 27, 2010

One of Canada’s cinematic masters, artist and environmentalist Frederic Back won two Academy Awards for his animated films, The Man Who Planted Trees and Crac! This touching new documentary of his life balances his devotion to his wife of 60 years with the essence of his art practice and continued passion for the environmental vision that has made him an Officer of the Order of Canada. His commitment to Foundation Fauna, in protest of animal testing, and encouragement of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to adopt a beluga whale named Antares extend the reach of his activism beyond the silver screen. This man who holds nature above all else in the world has a vision for humanity as rich and layered as his films.

Director Phil Comeau is a Nova Scotia native and lives in Montreal Canada. Since 1977, he has directed documentaries and dramas in over 20 countries. His films have won 31 international film awards and have been broadcast on over 60 TV networks worldwide. Among his documentary films and series, he directed Mayday, The New Detectives, Risk Takers, Tall Ship Chronicles, World Legends and Archeology. In 2006, he was promoted to Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters of France for his contribution to cinematographic arts.