A man spent 50 years proving paper could hold magic — and Canada never stopped watching.
Much like Fred Rogers and Bob Ross in the United States, Claude Lafortune was a staple of French-Canadian television. The beloved children's television host inspired generations of children through his celebration of creativity, inclusivity and diversity. For over five decades, he dedicated his life to transforming mere paper into whimsical sculptures, creatures and film sets. "The Paper Man" reveals the depths of Claude Lafortune's work, as well as his continuing legacy.
Direction
Lapointe captures Lafortune's hands like they're performing miracles.
Editing
Seamless blend of archival joy and fragile present-day reflection.
Production
His paper worlds preserved with obvious love and care.
Director
Tanya Lapointe
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Lafortune's show *La Boîte à Surprise* ran from 1968 to 1988, making him a Québécois institution comparable to Mr. Dressup in English Canada.
Director Tanya Lapointe is a former CBC journalist who spent years convincing the reclusive Lafortune to participate; he died shortly after filming concluded.
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