Howard Ryshpan

Ulysses 31

(voice)

Ulysses and his crew struggle against the divine entities that rule the universe, the ancient gods from Greek mythology.

Evergreen

Obstetrician

Based on the novel by Belva Plain, covering a time span from 1909 to 1959. The story begins in New York's Lower East Side with the arrival of Polish-Jewish immigrant Anna (Lesley Ann Warren). At first employed as a humble seamstress, Anna is whisked into a whole new world when she becomes the wife of the enterprising Joseph Friedman (Armand Assante), who eventually becomes a wealthy Westchester contractor. Even so, Anna's heart belongs to Paul Lerner (Ian Shane), the son of the prosperous Fifth Avenue family which employs her relatives. In 1918, Anna gives birth to Paul's daughter, allowing Joseph to believe that he is the father. The secret surrounding Anna's child will lead to a daunting and frequently heartbreaking chain of events, culminating decades later in the newly formed state of Israel, where Anna's grandson Eric hopes to "find himself" -- and ends up finding more than he bargained for.

Rabid

Dr. Dan Keloid

A young woman develops a taste for human blood after experimental plastic surgery, and her victims turn into bloodthirsty zombies, leading into a city-wide epidemic.

The Greatest Game Ever Played

Gallery Member

A biopic of 20-year-old Francis Ouimet who defeated his golfing idol and 1900 US Open Champion, Harry Vardon.

P.T. Barnum

James Heath

The story of the great American showman and promoter.

Pinocchio 3000

Geppetto (voice)

This is the story of a little robot known as Pinocchio 3000 whose greatest wish is to become a real boy. The year is 3000. Geppetto, with the help of his faithful assistant, Spencer the cyber penguin, and by the holographic fairy Cyberina, creates Pinocchio, a prototype superrobot equipped for emotions. But before he can be given a heart and become a real boy, Cyberina insists that Pinocchio learn the difference between right and wrong.

Keanu & Co.

(segment "Out of a Job")

A young engineer returns to the home of his parents and computer whiz brother after his promising career abruptly falls apart. A troubled teen struggles to overcome peer pressure and his own criminal impulses when his latest arrest derails the life of his single mother. An intensely jealous boyfriend's spying and scolding ways rapidly escalate to full-blown stalking. Keanu & Co. presents three specials originally directed for the NFB’s Family Crisis Series in 1985 and 1986, restored for the home video market as a single anthology film.

P.T. Barnum

James Heath

This series illustrates the life and career of P.T. Barnum, America's greatest showman and promoter. Starting as a young man who managed an old woman who was supposedly George Washington's nursemaid, we see his career as he finds success promoting curiosities and attractions with panache and a judicious mix of truth and creativity, whether it be promoting his museum or characters like the midget General Tom Thumb. Yet because the demands of his businesses, his family life is troubled and marred by tragedy. All the while, events lead to his greatest creation, the Ringling Brothers/Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Varian's War

Konditerei Owner

Varian Fry rescues more than 2,000 artists from Nazi persecution during World War II.

Blood Relatives

Doctor

A Montreal police inspector cracks a murder case with clues from the victim's diary.

Choices

Paul

A 19 year old girl suddenly finds herself pregnant. Not wanting to face motherhood or dealing with the consequences of a child, she contemplates an abortion without the knowledge of her boyfriend. However, her father, a retired 62 year old judge discovers her situation and is strongly opposed to abortion in principle. However, he soon finds he has to re-examine his own beliefs as his younger 38 year old second wife suddenly announces she is also pregnant. The two, when first married, agreed that there would be no additional children. This accidental pregnancy is unacceptable to the older man who cannot see him being involved in a young child's life. In the end, all three must make choices.

Out of a Job

A young engineer returns to the home of his parents and computer whiz brother after his promising career abruptly falls apart.

The Happy Prince

Additional Voices

A royal statue makes friends with a small swallow.

Lies My Father Told Me

A Jewish boy grows up in 1920s Montreal with a grandfather who tells stories and a father who won't work.

The Tin Flute

Docteur Katz

In the early 1940's, Canada is a country at war and Florentine is a young woman, from a very poor family, looking for love. She meets two suitable men, a nice soldier from a good and wealthy family, and an ambitious self-centered engineer. She must decide whether she wants to follow her head or her heart...

The Phone Call

Harold

A married man calls the wrong number for phone-sex and winds up being stalked by a psychotic man.

Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang

Toy Store Owner

Nobody ever listens to Jacob, so he always has to repeat himself. A trip to the grocery store leads to a misunderstanding and Jacob falls asleep hiding in a park. When he wakes up, he discovers that he is in trouble for insulting the store clerk. He is sent to a prison for children that is located on Slimer's Island and is run by the Hooded Fang, an ex-wrestler who outwardly hates children. Meanwhile, Child Power representatives the Intrepid Shapiro and Fearless O'Toole try to find the prison's hidden location to help free the children.

Charles and François

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.

Canada Vignettes: Ice

Narrator

Ice cutting on the St. Lawrence River in the 1860s is illustrated in song and animated graphics.

The Street

(Voice)

This film deals with a Jewish family in Montreal, Canada as they care for a dying grandmother and the young boy who is impatient to get the room he was promised as soon as she kicks the bucket.