NFB Staff Picks 2018

Every year, our team partakes in a little activity that we’ve all become really fond of: our end-of-year staff picks. The rules are simple: the title has to have been added to NFB.ca in 2018 and be available for free viewing.

We have hundreds of films you can watch for free on our site, and this list is a fun little place for you to start watching the hidden gems you might have missed throughout the year.

Here are our picks for 2018. What were yours?

The Devil’s Share

The Devil’s Share takes you back to Quebec in the 1970s using excerpts from over 179 films in our collection. A masterpiece by filmmaker Luc Bourdon.

The Devil’s Share, Luc Bourdon, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

Skin for Skin

Who said Canadian history is boring? This dark, mesmerizing animated short dives back to the time of the fur trade, reminding us that nature has its limits and will not put up with human arrogance forever.

Skin for Skin, Kevin D.A. Kurytnik & Carol Beecher, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

Pauline Julien, Intimate and Political

A wonderful film that introduces viewers to this extraordinary artist through archival footage and both public and private memoirs, while explaining her importance in the history of Quebec. An absolute must-see!

Pauline Julien, Intimate and Political, Pascale Ferland, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

The Mountain of SGaana

What a whale of a love tale! This magical short invites you to dive into the story of a man pulled deep into the underworld, and the woman who rescues him. Filmmaker Christopher Auchter’s unique and vibrant blend of traditional Haida art and animation makes for a beautiful kaleidoscopic adventure you’re sure to enjoy.

The Mountain of SGaana, Christopher Auchter, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

Threads

In this animated short, filmmaker Torill Kove takes a poetic look at the unique relationship between parent and child.

Threads, Torill Kove, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

Regina Telebus

Making a telephone call and accessing a transit service that picks you up at home? No, It isn’t the service you are thinking about. After all, this film was made in Regina…in 1973!

Regina Telebus, Rex Tasker, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

The Cage

This 1957 drama from the Perspective TV series is one of the few films from that era to tackle the subject of burnout and the rat race. Although The Cage is more than 60 years old, its message is still valid today.

The Cage, Fergus McDonell, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

True North

A fascinating look at the world of minor-league basketball in Toronto, which has gained a reputation as a talent hothouse among NBA scouts in recent years.

True North E1 – The Roots & The Rise, Ryan Sidhoo & Ryan Sidhoo, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

Ride

Kristin Catherwood’s short film Ride is an intimate look at Liam Marshall, a teenage boy in rural Saskatchewan training to become a bareback bronc rider, and the community helping to initiate Liam into this precarious sport.

Ride, Kristin Catherwood, provided by the National Film Board of Canada