For the first time, Cannes Classics will feature an animator, and the honour goes to Norman McLaren, who won the Short Film Palme d’or in 1955 with Blinkity Blank. A selection of 13 McLaren films has been put together in homage to the great filmmaker and to celebrate 65 years of animation at the National Film Board of Canada.

Jacques Bensimon, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the NFB, said, “McLaren’s genius continues to amaze us. Every film in this program underscores the groundbreaking artistry and exceptional diversity of this great animation pioneer. We at the NFB are delighted to witness the return of McLaren’s masterpieces to the Cannes Film Festival, particularly since they are so in tune with the spirit of the Cannes Classics section, a fulcrum of film heritage.