Co Hoedeman arrived in Montreal from the Netherlands in 1965 with a film reel under his arm and a dream to work for the National Film Board of Canada's renowned animation unit. It was there where he became part of the vanguard in Quebec animation launching a distinguished career combining animated film, writing and directing. He is the director of a number of independent productions and of more than 27 acclaimed NFB films, including an Academy Award for Le Château de sable / The Sand Castle. He is recognized worldwide as a master of stop-motion animated films. His films have garnered more than 80 awards and mentions at film festivals the world over. Most recently, The Alliance for children and television awarded him the GRAND PRIX D'EXCELLENCE, Radio- Canada for his film Ludovic, The Snow Gift.