The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content Accessibility
New release
Coming 
None

Charles and François

1988 15 min
Leaving soon

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.

This content is not available for free viewing in your location.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.
Not available
Share
Charles and François

Details

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.

  • 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

Enjoy the NFB experience on your favourite device

Education

Ages 12 to 16
School subjects
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
Purchase options
Also available