City of Gold (1957 film)

City of Gold is a 1957 Canadian documentary film directed by Colin Low and Wolf Koenig for the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). The film uses still photographs, animation, and narration to tell the story of the Klondike Gold Rush and the town of Dawson City, Yukon.

The film is notable for its innovative use of the "Ken Burns effect," although it predates Burns's more famous application of the technique. The technique involves panning and zooming on still photographs to create a sense of movement and visual interest. This technique brought life to the historical photographs and helped to immerse viewers in the Klondike era.

The narration, written by Pierre Berton and read by himself, is a key element of the film. Berton, who grew up in Dawson City, provides a personal and engaging perspective on the history and legends of the Gold Rush. His intimate knowledge of the subject matter contributed significantly to the film's authenticity and appeal.

City of Gold won numerous awards, including the Palme d'Or for best short film at the 1957 Cannes Film Festival. It is considered a classic of Canadian cinema and a significant example of documentary filmmaking. It is also recognized for its contribution to popularizing the "Ken Burns effect," which has become a widely used technique in documentaries and other forms of visual storytelling. The film remains a popular and influential work, offering a compelling glimpse into a pivotal period in Canadian history.