Special Screening of the film "The Portrait"

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston hosted a special screening of The Portrait, a National Film Board (NFB) 40-minute short film documenting the work of Canadian artist Phil Richards as he creates the Diamond Jubilee portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

In the beautiful setting of the Ballroom, where The Queen’s portrait hangs, His Excellency delivered a speech: "In the film, Hubert Davis will take us on a journey not only to witness how this painting was conceived, but also to explore why we choose to honour people in this way. In re examining the art and meaning of the portrait, Mr. Davis pays homage to one of portraiture’s master practitioners."

Tom Perlmutter, Government Film Commissioner and Chair of the NFB, also addressed the audience. Founded in 1939 as Canada’s public film producer, the NFB has documented key moments in the life of our country for more than 70 years. Over the decades, NFB filmmakers have documented and celebrated the special bond between Canadians and their Sovereign in 16 productions.

Before the screening, Academy Award®-nominated Canadian Director Hubert Davis presented his short film.

Following the presentation of the documentary, the filmmaker and the artist talked about the artistic process involved in the making of the short film and the portrait, and answered questions from guests.

In honour of The Queen’s 60th anniversary of her accession to the Throne, the NFB is launching Celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee–Collector’s Edition, a special DVD collection featuring The Portrait, along with two other classic films: The Royal Journey, which follows H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth throughout her 1951 visit to Canada as part of her first Royal Tour; and Canada at the Coronation, which depicts The Queen’s 1953 coronation from a uniquely Canadian perspective. In partnership with Canada Post and the Department of Canadian Heritage, this collector’s edition will be distributed to public libraries, schools and post-secondary institutions across Canada.