Statement by the NFB Commissioner on the death of Mr. Rock Demers.

August 18, 2021 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mr. Rock Demers, a highly respected figure who inspired the young and young-at-heart and fuelled the imaginations of audiences far and wide—both in Canada and around the world.

One of Canada’s greatest producers, Rock Demers was also a mentor for an entire generation of artists, craftspeople, filmmakers and producers, helping them forge brilliant careers that remain influential to this day. He was a trailblazer in the art of telling stories featuring scrappy, inventive kids, and he put youth centre stage in our film industry, whether at the Montreal International Film Festival or through his prolific production house.

Mr. Demers sat on the NFB’s Executive Committee for three years, bringing to the position a vitality and vision commensurate with his experience and dedication.

We will remember him as a great producer who was passionate and determined, bursting with energy and imagination.

His work and his memory will endure and live on.

On behalf of the entire NFB, I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Claude Joli-Coeur
Government Film Commissioner and NFB Chairperson

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