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The World’s Largest Film Festival Celebrates Indigenous Voices on April 20, 2022

Governor General to act as Honorary Patron 

TORONTO – April 4, 2022 – After two years of online presentations, REEL CANADA is absolutely delighted to announce that National Canadian Film Day, live and in person, is back! The ninth edition of the annual coast-to-coast-to-coast celebration of Canadian film will take place on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, with more than 1000 events as well as dozens of offerings on broadcast and streaming for everyone to enjoy. In-person screenings will take place in 600 communities across Canada and more than 35 countries around the world.

We are honoured to announce that Canada’s Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, is the Honorary Patron of this year’s National Canadian Film Day.  An official video greeting from Her Excellency will precede all NCFD screenings this year.

The 2022 Spotlight, Celebrating Indigenous Voices, presented in association with imagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival, focuses on Indigenous-made cinema by filmmakers from many diverse nations across Canada, and will also feature panel discussions and appearances by Indigenous film artists. More than 25 Indigenous-made features will be presented throughout the day.

imagineNATIVE Executive Director Naomi Johnson (Mohawk) says, “We are thrilled to be co-presenting works from so many talented Indigenous filmmakers as part of REEL CANADA’s National Canadian Film Day. We hope that new audiences discover and enjoy these marvelous films.”

REEL CANADA Board Member Jason Ryle (Anishinaabe) says, “First Nations, Métis and Inuit filmmakers in Canada have been making incredible and original films for decades. The growth of Indigenous-made cinema in recent years is truly remarkable and will continue for decades to come. It’s wonderful to see REEL CANADA and National Canadian Film Day celebrate these great films.”

Programming highlights across the country include:

• An intimate conversation with filmmakers Alanis Obomsawin (Abenaki) and Jeff Barnaby (Mi’qmaw) presented in-person at the opening of the new Alanis Obomsawin Theatre at the National Film Board of Canada in Montreal.
• An in-person discussion in Toronto that will also be streamed online, presented in partnership with APTN and CBC, featuring award-winning filmmakers Danis Goulet (Cree/Métis), Tracey Deer (Mohawk) and hosted by Adam Garnet Jones (Cree/Métis).
• A tribute to the late filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée in partnership with MediaFilm, featuring a special event in Toronto presented by Cinefranco, an event in Vancouver presented by VIFF, and screenings of Vallée’s masterpiece C.R.A.Z.Y. across Canada (in twenty cities) and around the world (in seven countries)
• Over 10,000 high school students from more than 300 schools from every province and territory will engage in RCtv, an interactive livestream event featuring CSA-nominated Night Raiders writer-director Danis Goulet and cast member Brooklyn Letexier-Hart (Cree/Métis).
• A virtual screening of The Grizzlies for New Canadians and English-language learners, presented in partnership with Institute for Canadian Citizenship, followed by a livestream Q&A with one of the stars of the film, Anna Lambe (Inuk), hosted by Ali Hassan.
• The theatrical premiere of the French-language Indigenous-made thriller L’Inhumain will unfold with an in-person gala in Ottawa with director Jason Brennan (Anishinaabe), lead actor Samian (Anishinaabe), and cast members in attendance, as well as screenings in Vancouver and Montreal.
• This year, NCFD and Telefilm are partnering with the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE) to host screenings of Beans, Night Raiders, and C.R.A.Z.Y. in independent cinemas in more than 30 communities across Canada featuring virtual Q&As with cast and crew.
• Participation from national broadcasters, including APTN, Bell Media, Corus and Super Channel, led by Hollywood Suite with a full 24 hours of Indigenous programming.
• Nearly 50 international screenings are taking place in 40 countries across five continents.
  • One of the largest is a full-day celebration at Carolina Coastal University in South Carolina, featuring four screenings, a reception with local dignitaries, and “Canadian cuisine” on campus. Indian Horse director Stephen Campanelli will present his film in person, while Colm Feore, star of Bon Cop and The Red Violin will participate virtually. Also in attendance will be NCFD mascot, Maurice the Moose, visiting his friend, CCU mascot Chauncey the Chanticleer.
• Participation from a wide array of streaming partners such as Netflix, Encore+ and CBC Gem, highlighted by the National Film Board, who will be featuring NCFD on their homepage for the entire day on April 20.

Other events across Canada will feature appearances from special guests, including Shane Belcourt (Métis), Sonia Bonspille Boileau (Mohawk), Jolene Commanda (Anishinaabe), Philippe Commanda (Anishinaabe), Andy Dewache (Anishinaabe), Zoe Leigh Hopkins (Heiltsuk/Mohawk), Phillip Lewitski (Mohawk), Moze Mossanen, Joshua Odjick (Algonquin/Anishinaabe), Juanita Peters, Dakota Ray Hebert (Dene), Odeshkun Thusky (Anishinaabe), Loretta Todd (Cree/Métis), Rhayne Vermette (Métis), Anne Wheeler, Hank White, Alan Zweig.

If you’d like to host a free NCFD event for your community, visit canfilmday.ca/register and sign up today.

NCFD is a huge endeavour that’s made possible through the efforts of dedicated sponsors and partners who continue to support us year after year. We’re thrilled that so many of our sponsors are returning in 2022, including Telefilm Canada, Netflix, Encore+, CBC, Bell Media, Hollywood Suite, Cineplex, Landmark Cinemas, CMPA, and more. The complete list can be found on the sponsor page of our website. 

Visit canfilmday.ca  for more information in the lead-up to April 20. You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @CanFilmDay, TikTok at @nationalcanfilmday and #CanFilmDay.

REEL CANADA Board Member Jason Ryle (Anishinaabe), Night Raiders writer-director Danis Goulet (Cree/Métis), and Beans director Tracey Deer (Mohawk) as well as Jack Blum and Sharon Corder, Executive and Artistic Director of REEL CANADA, are available for interviews. 

For high-res images: https://bit.ly/NCFD2022 

About REEL CANADA

REEL CANADA is a charitable organization that promotes the diversity of Canadian film and its power to spark important conversations about what it means to be Canadian. Through our core programmes — Our Films in Our Schools, Welcome to Canada, Reel Opportunities, and National Canadian Film Day (NCFD) — REEL CANADA has reached millions of students, new Canadians, and general audience members.

For media inquiries,

Ally LaMere-Shedden

Route 504 PR

[email protected]

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National Canadian Film Day Returns on April 20, 2022 to Celebrate Indigenous Voices

Free movies all day. Everywhere.

TORONTO – Feb 14, 2022 – REEL CANADA is pleased to announce that the ninth annual National Canadian Film Day (NCFD) will take place coast to coast to coast on Wednesday, April 20, 2022.  With fingers and toes crossed, we have invited our hundreds of screening partners across the country to once again host live in-person events wherever local public health guidelines permit. And for those who are not yet at ease out in public (or who just prefer the couch) there will be plenty of online and broadcast events as well.

For this year’s programming Spotlight, we are excited to highlight the explosion of remarkable cinema by Indigenous filmmakers working in Canada. “Celebrating Indigenous Voices” will be presented in association with imagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival, the world’s largest presenter of Indigenous screen content. The spotlight will reflect a broad spectrum of styles and genres including: dramas, comedies, documentaries, coming-of-age stories, horror, and science fiction. NCFD activities will also include a live-streamed panel featuring high profile Indigenous film professionals, providing audiences with insight into this profusion of talent and storytelling, and what it takes to bring these stories to the screen.  

“We at imagineNATIVE firmly believe that Indigenous stories are meant for all, and to that end, we are excited to co-present a selection of compelling films, told from an Indigenous lens. Support of Indigenous narrative sovereignty is at the core of the work we do. imagineNATIVE is proud to be a part of this initiative with REEL CANADA as we continue to reaffirm the importance of showcasing this work and as we work toward a future of authentic representation on our screens,” said Naomi Johnson (Kanyen’kehà:ka/Mohawk), Executive Director, imagineNATIVE 

“The level of filmmaking from Indigenous artists has absolutely soared in recent years and we are honoured to have the opportunity to bring this work to our grassroots National Canadian Film Day audiences,” said Sharon Corder, Artistic Director of REEL CANADA and National Canadian Film Day.

As usual, there will also be a wealth of programming for all audiences: 

• Our annual streaming event for new Canadians and English-language learners
• A tribute to the late Jean-Marc Vallée
• Events around the world in partnership with Global Affairs Canada
• Our annual livestream for 15,000+ high school students
• Screenings at film festivals, cinemas, libraries, community centres, schools, friendship centres, retirement residences, art galleries, military bases and more
• A wealth of great Canadian films to watch from home, thanks to our many broadcast and streaming partners 
• And much more – so look out for more announcements in the coming weeks 

If you’d like to host a free NCFD event for your community, visit https://www.canfilmday.ca/events/register and sign up today.

NCFD is a huge endeavour that’s made possible through the efforts of dedicated sponsors and partners who continue to support us year after year. We’re thrilled that so many of our sponsors are returning in 2022, including Telefilm Canada, Netflix, Encore+, CBC, Bell Media, Cineplex, Landmark Cinemas, CMPA and more. The complete list can be found on the sponsor page of our website. 

Visit www.canfilmday.ca  for more information in the lead-up to April 20. You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @CanFilmDay, and #CanFilmDay.

For high-res images: https://bit.ly/NCFD2022 

About REEL CANADA

REEL CANADA is a charitable organization that promotes the diversity of Canadian film and its power to spark important conversations about what it means to be Canadian. Through our core programmes — Our Films in Our Schools, Welcome to Canada, Reel Opportunities, and National Canadian Film Day (NCFD) — REEL CANADA has reached millions of students, new Canadians, and general audience members.

For media inquiries,

Ally LaMere-Shedden

Route 504 PR

[email protected]

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Free movies. All day.

Everywhere.

Toronto, ON (April 6, 2021) — Everybody loves movies. And who doesn’t like free entertainment? This year, National Canadian Film Day (NCFD) — April 21, 2021 — will offer an exciting world premiere, a wealth of free Canadian movies, nationwide watch parties, and live discussions with Canadian filmmakers from across the country.

“Given the year we’ve all lived through, we are focusing on feel-good films, or films that offer inspiration for a better future, “ says Sharon Corder, Artistic Director of REEL CANADA. “We all certainly need it. I know I do.”

More than 40 film festivals throughout Canada are hosting national screenings and Q&As with filmmakers and stars. An additional 150+ community watch parties are being planned and more than 30 international events in countries around the world will be connected through this cultural event. Most of the nation’s major broadcast and streaming channels are running special programming on the day. 

This year’s National Canadian Film Day programming highlights include:

• As previously announced, this year’s centerpiece is the world premiere of Light(s) at the End of the Tunnel, a series of eleven original short films. 15 culturally and regionally diverse rising stars (collectively they’ve won more than 50 awards) give us their visions of hope for the future. Commissioned by REEL CANADA and Netflix, the films include animations, docs, and live-action.
• A screening of the ultimate feel-good Canadian film, Meatballs, featuring a livestream Q&A with director Ivan Reitman & cast members Kate Lynch (Roxanne) and Jack Blum (Spaz). Presented by Oakville Festivals of Film & Art in partnership with REEL CANADA.
• A tribute to Christopher Plummer and his legacy, co-presented by film festivals across the country. Selected titles include The Silent Partner, Remember and Christopher Plummer: A Memoir, with new interviews with Atom Egoyan and The Silent Partner cast member Michael Kirby, reminiscing about the stage and screen legend.
• Over a dozen screenings of Indigenous-made films, headlined by multiple screenings of Rustic Oracle (which earned a Canadian Screen Award Best Actress nomination for Carmen Moore) and multiple Q&As across the country with director Sonia Bonspille Boileau (Kanien’kehá:ka). 
• A screening for new Canadians of You Are Here: A Come From Away Story, in honour of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. This uplifting documentary showcases the town of Gander, NL and the generosity they showed to stranded airline passengers on that fateful day. Followed by a livestream Q&A with director Moze Mossanen. 
• Other special guests participating in festival screenings across the country include: Patricia Rozema, Philippe Falardeau, Don McKellar, Bruce MacDonald, Anne Émond, Charles Officer, Kathleen Hepburn, Jason Eisner, Rob Cotterill, Matthew Rankin, Jason Ryle (Anishinaabe), Garvia Bailey, Tantoo Cardinal (Cree/Métis), Joyce Wong, and Karen Lam.
• Finally, to ensure that great Canadian films are accessible to anyone with a tv, computer, or wireless device, more than a dozen major broadcast and streaming partners are running special Canadian film programming all day on April 21. (Our full broadcast and streaming listings are available to view now).

National Canadian Film Day is also a worldwide event, and we will be bringing Canadian film to over 30 countries, with special programming featuring recent releases as well as Canadian classics. 

Visit canfilmday.ca for more information in the lead-up to April 21. You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @CanFilmDay, and #CanFilmDay.

About REEL CANADA

REEL CANADA is a non-profit, charitable organization that promotes the diversity of Canadian film and its power to spark important conversations about what it means to be Canadian. Through our three core programs —Our Films in Our Schools, Welcome to Canada, and National Canadian Film Day (NCFD) —REEL CANADA has reached millions of high school students, new Canadians, and general audience members.

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For more information, please contact: [email protected]

Emerging filmmakers to debut inspiring shorts as part of Light(s) at the End of the Tunnel series

Toronto, ON (March 24, 2021) – REEL CANADA and Netflix Canada have joined forces to create a cinematic snapshot of the country as we emerge from the pandemic, engaging up-and-coming film talent to create eleven short films under the banner of Light(s) at the End of the Tunnel.  Set to debut on National Canadian Film Day on April 21st, the eleven films run between one and six minutes and are created by fifteen young filmmakers identified as rising stars by a range of industry leaders.  

The young filmmakers were selected by REEL CANADA staff and advisors, including board members Atom Egoyan and Veronica Tennant; Don McKellar; Tom McSorley (director of the Canadian Film Institute); and NFB animation producers Jelena Popović and Maral Mohammadian. Diverse both culturally and geographically, the film creators hail from Vancouver, Regina, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and Pabineau First Nation (NB).

The short films include animation (4), live-action (5), and documentaries (2). Each project received $10,000 cash. Production equipment was generously contributed by William F. White International (and MELS for Montreal-based projects).

“By every measure, this has been an unusual year and we wanted to do something special for NCFD.  This collection delivers a unique perspective on where we are as a country in this moment, as well as a bit of hope that there truly is some light at the end of the tunnel,” said Jack Blum, Executive Director, REEL CANADA. “With the drastic reduction of production activity during COVID, we wanted to give these young talents a chance to flex their muscles as we all wait for things to return to normal.”

“Canadians from coast to coast have deeply felt the impacts of the last year in all areas of their lives,” said Stéphane Cardin, Director of Policy for Netflix Canada. “This initiative is giving a voice to a broad range of Canadian filmmakers during an important period in our country’s history and we look forward to sharing their stories with the world.”

The Light(s) at the End of the Tunnel short film series will debut as part of National Canadian Film Day programming on April 21st on the NCFD streaming platform.

Information on the Light(s) at the End of the Tunnel short films series can be found at canfilmday.ca/lights. 

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About Netflix Canada

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services with 204 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

About REEL CANADA

REEL CANADA is a non-profit, charitable organization that promotes the diversity of Canadian film and its power to spark important conversations about what it means to be Canadian. Through our three core programs—Our Films in Our Schools, Welcome to Canada, and National Canadian Film Day (NCFD)—REEL CANADA has reached millions of high school students, new Canadians, and general audience members.

Download PDF

For more information, please contact: [email protected]