German-born artist, activist and filmmaker Frederic Back passed away on Dec. 24, at the age of 89.
Back was the creator of the animated film ‘The Man Who Planted Trees' and was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning twice.
He was made an officer at the Order of Canada, at the Order of Arts and Letters of France, and a Knight of the National Order of Quebec. He also won the Governor General’s Award for the arts in 1994.
Following Back's death, Montreal's mayor Denis Coderre issued a statement recognizing the filmmaker's work, and offered condolences to his friends and family.
Coderre said that Back has left a legacy in education, culture and environment for future generations. The mayor has invited Montrealers to note Back's contributions, pointing out that the canopy in the Montreal's Place-Des-Arts Metro is his creation.
