Annette Clarke will retire from the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) after more than 25 years.

The veteran Newfoundland producer (pictured, right) will step down from her role as executive producer of the NFB’s Quebec and Atlantic Studio this month. She will continue to work with the NFB to finish her remaining projects before her retirement in March 2022.

John Christou, director of production and operations for NFB’s English program, will serve as interim executive producer effective Sept. 24. Christou, who founded Prospect Films, joined NFB in 2019 to oversee production across the NFB’s five English-language studios across Canada.

Outside of the NFB, Clarke launched the production company Ruby Line Productions in 1997. The company produced documentaries such as Bloodlines – the DNA Dilemma and Portrait of a 70 Foot Artist before Clarke returned to the NFB in 2003.

“For 27 years, Annette has devoted herself with passion, generosity and great humanity to her various roles at the NFB,” said Jules Roy, director general of creation and innovation, NFB, in a statement. “Throughout her career, whether as a marketing manager, producer or executive producer, she has admirably embodied the values of the NFB and has been much appreciated by her team and collaborators.”