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Charles and François

1988 15 min
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A touching story of the friendship between a grandfather and his grandson, this is a film about aging and death. Award-winning animator Co Hoedeman combines 3-D and cut-out animation techniques to create a very dramatic and moving film. The story follows Charles and François through the different stages of their lives. With time, they become closer, common experiences having diminished the difference in age. By the end of the film, time appears to stand still; both are over one hundred years old and they are almost indistinguishable.

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Charles and François

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A touching story of the friendship between a grandfather and his grandson, this is a film about aging and death. Award-winning animator Co Hoedeman combines 3-D and cut-out animation techniques to create a very dramatic and moving film. The story follows Charles and François through the different stages of their lives. With time, they become closer, common experiences having diminished the difference in age. By the end of the film, time appears to stand still; both are over one hundred years old and they are almost indistinguishable.

Families Religion, Beliefs and Ethics Children and Youth Seniors All subjects
  • director
    Co Hoedeman
  • producer
    Yves Leduc
  • executive producer
    Robert Forget
  • script
    Jean Charlebois
  • sound
    Louis Hone
  • editing
    Werner Nold
  • sound editing
    Michel Motard
  • re-recording
    Hans Peter Strobl
    Adrian Croll
  • animation
    Stefan Anastasiu
  • voice
    Howard Ryshpan
    Michael Sheppard
    Len Watt
    Kim Yaroshevskaya
    Linda Sorgini
    Sandi Stahlbrand
  • music
    François Dompierre

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Education

Ages 12 to 16
School subjects
Family Studies/Home Economics - Aging/Death and Dying Health/Personal Development - Healthy Relationships Health/Personal Development - Human Growth and Development Media Education - Film Animation
A grandfather and grandson grow old together, until the vast differences between them are no longer apparent. Have students discuss the concept of growing old. How do close members of our family reflect our lives back to us? François goes off to live his own life, but then returns. How do his life experiences draw him and his grandfather closer together? Charles wishes for death. What is François’ take on this?
Charles and François
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