What Is National Canadian Film Day?
National Canadian Film Day (CanFilmDay) is a nationwide celebration of great Canadian film presented by REEL CANADA. It’s a big party, and you’re invited.
🍁 It’s fun! Like, really super fun. We even have a party kit.
🍁It’s easy. We’ll help you choose a film that will suit your audience and provide lots of tips and resources along the way.
🍁It’s totally 100% free! That’s right, we cover the cost of the film – you just provide the audience.
🍁It’s a connection. Bring your community together for an incredible event.
🍁Our 2026 Spotlight programming showcases a selection of great Canadian films. Read the full list here, we would love to help you find the perfect film(s) for your audience!
🍁It’s packed with true North talent.
So what are you waiting for? Click below for our registration form, or for more information, please reach out to [email protected] or 1-888-508-0881 option 3.
A wonderful event that allows us to discover films from our country and also to discover and encourage our own art.
Atelier Silex
Cette Maison (This House)
Director: Miryam Charles / Year: 2023 / 75 min / G
In the aftermath of a series of devastating plagues leading to a global food shortage, a former soldier and her family try to make the best of their isolated life on a small farm. But as they become the target of a violent militia trying to take over their land, they are forced into a defensive battle that they didn’t want, but are more than prepared for. Anchored by an incredible performance from Danielle Deadwyler, 40 Acres is a pulse-pounding action thriller that was met with critical acclaim when it premiered at TIFF, and was named to their annual Canada’s Top Ten list.
C.R.A.Z.Y.
Director: Jean-Marc Vallée / Year: 2005 / 127 min / 14A
This captivating coming-of-age story follows Zac (Marc-André Grondin) through childhood and young adulthood as he comes to terms with his identity, his sexuality and his relationship with his conservative father in 1960s Quebec.
Le Déclin de l’empire américain (The Decline of the American Empire)
Director: Denys Arcand / Year: 1986 / 101 min / R
In a country cottage beside the still waters of Lake Memphremagog in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, eight intellectuals share a night of frank discussion about life, love, sex, and everything in between. While the story is set in the world of academia, there’s nothing bookish or stuffy about the stories that emerge! Satirical and witty, Le déclin de l’empire américain evolves from a comedy of manners to a poignant and moving exploration of relationship and loss. Ranking twice in the Top 10 Canadian Films of All Time list (both the 1993 and 2004 lists), the film was nominated for an Academy Award and won nine Genie Awards.
Fanny
Director: Yan England / Year: 2025 / 114 min / NR
A family secret comes to light, sending Montreal teenager Fanny back to her hometown, where she tries to solve the mystery of her mother’s death, despite the protests of her grief-stricken father.
Les furies (The Furies)
Director: Mélanie Charbonneau / Year: 2025 / 105 min / PG
When Waterloo gets a new semi-pro men’s hockey team, the local women’s amateur leagues are kicked out of the arena. Determined to avenge their lost ice time, an impulsive hockey player teams up with a local roller derby legend to recruit the town’s outcasts and form an underground roller derby team. This bold feminist sports comedy features a hilarious cast of characters that are sure to have you rolling in the aisles.
Incendies
Director: Denis Villeneuve / Year: 2010 / 130 min / PG
A life in Canada, a secret past in Jordan. A dying mother in Montreal leaves separate letters to her twin children to be read once she passes away, sending them each on a journey that unearths dark family secrets. Released 15 years ago, Denis Villeneuve’s celebrated adaptation of Wajdi Mouawad’s award-winning play is explosive, frightening and emotionally intense. Winner of eight Genie Awards and nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
J.A. Martin Photographe (J.A. Martin Photographer)
Director: Jean Beaudin / Year: 1977 / 100 min / PG
A 19th-century Quebecois photographer (Marcel Sabourin) and his wife (Monique Mercure) travel the countryside photographing weddings and gatherings, reviving their 15-year marriage in the process.
La vraie nature de Bernadette (The True Nature of Bernadette)
Director: Gilles Carle / Year: 1972 / 115 min / NR
Bored Montreal housewife Bernadette (Lanctôt) decides to trade in her comfortable life in the city for a simpler existence in rural Quebec. With her son in tow, Bernadette moves into a rundown farmhouse where they attempt to make their living off the land. As her arrival coincides with changes in her new community, Bernadette can’t help but get involved in the social politics of rural life. This subversive and light-hearted classic premiered at Cannes, won three Canadian Film Awards and was selected in TIFF’s first list of its Top 10 Canadian Films of All Time.
Mon Oncle Antoine (My Uncle Antoine)
Director: Claude Jutra / Year: 1971 / 104 min / NR
A touching coming-of-age story that follows a young boy in a small mining town who becomes aware of his own mortality through a journey with his uncle, the local undertaker. Considered by many to be among the greatest Canadian films of all time.
Nuit #1
Director: Anne Émond / Year: 2011 / 91 min / NR
Clara (Catherine de Léan) and Nikolaï (Dimitri Storoge) meet at a rave, and return to his apartment for what starts out as an ordinary one-night stand. Instead of parting, the two young lovers share their deepest secrets in a sprawling conversation that explores the realities of the double lives they both lead. Nicolaï is an immigrant who envisions big projects and has big ideas but never manages to realize them. Clara is an elementary school teacher by day and a compulsive party girl by night. Revealing existential despair without succumbing to it, Nuit #1 is a refreshingly direct take on the difficulty of making meaningful connection. The film won Best Canadian Feature Film at the Vancouver International Film Festival.
Amour apocalypse (Peak Everything)
Director: Anne Émond / Year: 2025 / 100 min / 14A
Adam, a kennel owner gripped by climate anxiety finds unexpected solace in conversations with a customer service representative. When he hears about a natural disaster where she works, he sets out on a cross-provincial journey to rescue her. Nominated for 15 Prix Iris, including Best Picture.
Simple Comme Sylvain (The Nature of Love)
Director: Monia Chokri / Year: 2023 / 110 min / 14A
Feeling like her marriage has gone stale, Sophie, an intellectual philosophy professor, decides to abandon her comfortable life for a passionate affair with Sylvain, a blue-collar contractor who appears to be her polar opposite. Nominated for 14 Prix Iris, and winner of the César award for Best Foreign Film.
Universal Language (آواز بوقلمون)
Director: Matthew Rankin / Year: 2024 / 89 mins / G
Set in an alternate universe where Canada’s official languages are French and Persian, this charming and surreal fable follows a triptych of seemingly unrelated stories of people navigating a bleak Winnipeg winter. This acclaimed second feature from Matthew Rankin was Canada’s submission for the Oscars, and is a perfect balance of poignant and hilarious.
Fun Stuff & Promotional Support
All public events will be published and promoted in our Find An Event section.
To make things extra-fun, you can also use our party kit full of posters, printable photo booth props, games and activities, DIY crafts, and even a colouring book.
To help you host the best event possible, we’ve put together a Screening Partner Resources page with social media elements, technical instructions, host resources such as an introduction script, a photo guide, and more!
2026 materials will be launched in March.
It only takes a minute to register!