If you have kids you’ve probably had to watch a number of shows produced by Nelvana (such as Franklin, The Backyardigans, and Babar). What you probably don’t know is that Nelvana founder Michael Hirsh co-directed (along with Jack Christie) a crazy experimental Canadian film back in 1972 entitled Voulez-vous coucher avec God?. The film was only shown in Toronto a few times and until recently it was considered “lost”. Well, it’s now been found by filmmaker and preservationist Ron Mann who is releasing a high-def transfer of it under his filmswelike distribution company.
So what’s Voulez-vous coucher avec God? all about? Here’s the official synopsis:
A long-lost piece of Canadian counter-culture, Voulez-vous coucher avec God? is an intoxicating (and perhaps intoxicated) journey into anarchy. Starring famed beat poet Tuli Kupferberg as a heavily bearded, blaspheming and bigoted God who rules from his bathtub perch in Hashish Seventh Heaven, the film is a cacophony of bizarreness, replete with wild animation, music by The Fugs and the stomach-churning consumption of a mouse omelette. Directed by Jack Christie and Michael Hirsh (who would go on to found renowned children’s animation company Nelvana) and, amazingly, made with funds from the Ontario Arts Council, this rare Canadian head trip reappears for the first time in years.
Sound like your cup of tea? If so, head over to the TIFF Bell Lightbox at 7:30 p.m. on Canada Day (Friday, July 1, 2011) for a special screening of the film along with an appearance by Michael Hirsh. It’s sure to be one wild experience.
For more info on the film and to find other upcoming screenings, visit filmswelike.com. Check out a clip from Voulez-vous coucher avec God? below.
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