Do you want to introduce children to abstract films?

Regardez le film pour enfants sur la danse : Le merle

Film commentary: Le merle

Norman McLaren, considered one of the great masters of animated film, stages a paper cut-out blackbird in this marvellous film for children. This highly original choreography allows the discovery of the different parts of the animal's body, such as the beak, the neck or the legs...

Watch other Norman McLaren films on this site

Short and Suite
Pas de deux

More about Norman McLaren...

Why are Norman McLaren's films suitable for younger children?
Watch other Norman McLaren films
Introducing Norman McLaren

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to the NFB for allowing us to see these wonderful films for free.

Application for children

In 2013, the NFB created a great application that allows children to create their own animations! Children animate frame by frame the original paper elements and backgrounds created by Norman McLaren for the film: Blackbird. Watch the trailer of the app: The McLaren Workshop
Download the app

Theme

Dance and choreography

Genre and keywords

Musical, experimental, body expression, classical dance.

Recommended age

3 years and all the family
Parental control.

Duration

4 min 43 s.

Title

Le merle

Direction

Norman McLaren

Music

The Lyric Trio

Production

National Film Board of Canada in 1958

Discover other abstract cartoons for children, other free movies for toddlers...

Contact us!

Our selection of children's films is recommended by teachers and parents to allow small children to watch quality films safely.
School teachers' opinions, parental control is important for children. Give your opinion on films, help us find the best films for children!
Are you a teacher, a kindergarten teacher? Are you looking for a cartoon for children, a short film programme for the little ones?