Co Hoedeman, Oscar-Winning Stop-Motion Animator, Dies at 84

Co Hoedeman, Oscar-Winning Stop-Motion Animator, Dies at 84

MONTREAL (AP) — Co Hoedeman, a pioneering Dutch-Canadian animator renowned for his innovative stop-motion films and humanitarian storytelling, died Monday in Montreal at age 84, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) announced. No cause of death was provided.

Born Jacobus Willem Hoedeman on August 1, 1940, in Amsterdam, he survived the Hunger Winter of 1944–45 during the German occupation. He began his career in the Netherlands as a photographic retoucher before transitioning to film, working at studios such as Multifilm and Cinecentrum. In 1965, he immigrated to Canada with the hope of joining the NFB. Within two weeks, he secured a position as a production assistant, marking the start of a prolific career spanning nearly four decades.

Hoedeman’s 1977 short film The Sand Castle earned him an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. The 13-minute stop-motion piece, featuring creatures crafted from sand, foam rubber, and wire, also won the Grand Prix at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

Throughout his tenure at the NFB, Hoedeman was celebrated for his experimentation with various materials and techniques. His 1972 film Tchou-tchou, made entirely with wooden blocks, received a BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film. He also produced a series of films based on Inuit legends, collaborating closely with artists from Arctic communities to authentically represent their stories.

In the 1990s, Hoedeman created the Ludovic series, featuring a young teddy bear navigating childhood experiences. The series, including titles like Ludovic: The Snow Gift (1998), was later adapted into a preschool television program.

Hoedeman’s commitment to social issues was evident in works like The Sniffing Bear (1992), a cautionary tale about substance abuse created in collaboration with Indigenous inmates at La Macaza Institution. His final film with the NFB, Marianne’s Theatre (2004), preceded his transition to independent filmmaking.

“Co Hoedeman was a master animator, whose long career at the NFB was distinguished by innovative filmmaking and powerful humanitarian themes,” said NFB Chair Suzanne Guèvremont in a statement. “He cared deeply for the well-being of children and was also a fierce defender of the importance of public filmmaking.”(CityNews Halifax)

Hoedeman’s legacy endures through his extensive body of work, which continues to inspire animators and audiences worldwide.

Explore Co Hoedeman’s Work:

For those interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Canadian animation and Hoedeman’s contributions, these resources provide a window into his creative genius.(CityNews Halifax)