5 Educational Films to Watch on National Canadian Film Day

Every year in April, we mark National Canadian Film Day, an day dedicated to celebrating and promoting the exceptional films Canada has to offer that Canadians might not have heard about.

There’s going to be a lot of incredible films being recommended to you today, so if you’re looking for something a little more educational for your children or students, the NFB Education team has you covered! We put together a little list of some of our favourite films that we all hope you enjoy!

Happy National Canadian Film Day!

The Mountain of SGaana (Anne Koizumi, Learning Program Manager)

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

Back in 2017, I was introduced to Christopher Auchter through his beautifully stylized animation that uses formal elements of Haida art, The Mountain of SGaana. For me, getting lost in my phone and being in auto-pilot mode has been a means to surviving the pandemic but, in this film, Auchter asks us to be present and pay close attention to the world around us because you never know who or what can take you out of the grind and into a magical adventure. This film is an NFB favourite of mine for all ages, especially for those who need to get out of auto-pilot mode.

The Girl Who Hated Books (Kate Ruscito, Digital Marketing and Social Strategist)

The Girl Who Hated Books, Jo Meuris, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

The Girl Who Hated Books is one of my favourite NFB films. By all accounts, I really shouldn’t connect with this film: I was (and still am) a voracious reader who actively sought out the different worlds or universes books could transport you to. I loved going on daily quests alongside the heroes and heroines of adventure series and was always trying to solve the cases before the detectives in mystery novels, so Meena’s resistance to reading was unfathomable to me. But watching her slowly realize that reading is fun and just how much potential awaits her in books was a triumph.

Me and My Moulton (Penny Rampado, Program Manager)

Me and My Moulton, Torill Kove, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

Me and My Moulton is a charming film of a middle child growing up in Norway in the 60s with her two siblings and eccentric parents. I, too, am a middle child and grew up wanting to fit in using my best friend as a barometer of “normal”. This short animation is clever, colourful and churns a story of nostalgia in which many people can relate as they reminisce of their own unique upbringing and family.

Threads (Sophie Thouin, Marketing Manager)

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

Threads was the first film I saw when I returned to work from maternity leave and has left a lasting impression on me even three years later. It’s a touching tribute to the bonds that unite us, that change and reinvent themselves – and transform us – over time.

Red Path (Sophie Quevilon, Learning Program Manager)

Red Path, Thérèse Ottawa, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

I adore Red Path, a short film by Manawan filmmaker Thérèse Ottawa. Tony Chachai, a young Atikamekw, discusses how he managed to overcome many difficulties in his life by returning to his community and learning how to dance. He gradually deepens his roots and values, and the strength and inspiration in his words makes him truly endearing. Having rekindled his pride and confidence, Tony now imparts significant values to other young people from his community and elsewhere, both by his words and by his performance in a Pow-Wow.

National Canadian Film Day Event: Black and Indigenous Realities Livestream

Join Reel Canada’s interactive, online event on April 21 for Grades 9 and above. This livestream uses film to spark thoughtful conversation around inequality and racism in Canada.

For more information, click here.

What are you watching today? Share your recommends with the hashtag #CanFilmDay!

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