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The Sweater, animated film based on Roch Carrier's classic children's story, The Hockey Sweater. Directed by Sheldon Cohen.

The National Film Board of Canada is trimming back its funds for production, decreasing its popular street-level viewing stations and cutting 73 jobs – all because of the nearly $6.7-million in budget cuts imposed by the federal government.

In September, the board's storefront viewing venues in Montreal and Toronto, which were popular downtown diversions allowing the public to watch NFB films, will be closed, as will its cinemas in both cities. Some funding assistance to filmmakers will be reduced and back-office duties streamlined. Despite the 73 job cuts, the reorganization is expected to create 12 new positions.

The NFB has tried to spare funding for the animation, documentary and experimental films in which it specializes. Funds allocated directly for new productions will be reduced by only 1 per cent, a board spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.

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