Documentary - Archives - NFB Blog

Documentary

Explore the world of documentary—including biography, history, social and political issues, global cultures, and aboriginal topics.

The Curve: Social-distancing stories that bring us closer together

The Curve: Social-distancing stories that bring us closer together

As the country and the world face the historic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, production is now under way at the NFB on The Curve, a collection of approximately 30 projects by more than 40 Canadian creators.

Canada in All Its Glory, Circa 1966 | Curator’s Perspective

Canada in All Its Glory, Circa 1966 | Curator’s Perspective

Helicopter Canada was filmed by the National Film Board of Canada for Canada's centennial. It features views of Canada as seen from a helicopter.

An Archive of the Mind: Saving Afghanistan’s Film Legacy

An Archive of the Mind: Saving Afghanistan’s Film Legacy

I made The Forbidden Reel because I believe film preservation begins with viewers. It begins with anyone who has seen an Afghan film—or a clip from one—and wants to keep them alive for the next generation.

The Tournament: The Power of Community

The Tournament: The Power of Community

There were a few ideas about the filming of The Tournament that I thought were essential to show the aspects of para sport that I wanted the audience to see. First, we decided not to film the adults; the film is about the kids.

Gun Killers: A Reckoning for Illegal Firearms

Gun Killers: A Reckoning for Illegal Firearms

As the gun control debate rages amid frequent senseless tragedies in both the US and Canada, the subject of the film GunKillers appears to me even more timely and relevant.

I Am Skylar: Two Years Later

I Am Skylar: Two Years Later

The documentary I Am Skylar was filmed just before Skylar reached puberty. She is now 15 years old. I asked her about her life since the production was completed.

High Wire: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Historic Decision

High Wire: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Historic Decision

The purpose of the film is not to preach to the choir, or to experts, but to raise questions in the viewer’s mind.

The Song and the Sorrow: A Journey into Mental Health and Music

The Song and the Sorrow: A Journey into Mental Health and Music

As we grapple with a surreal and shifting new isolated reality, The Song and the Sorrow, with its contemplation of mental health, resonates in its message.

The Hecklers –The history of the political cartoon in Canada | Curator’s Perspective

The Hecklers –The history of the political cartoon in Canada | Curator’s Perspective

A look at The Hecklers, a 1975 documentary on the 200 year history of the political cartoon in Canada. From the Battle of the Plains of Abraham to today.

24 Davids: Documentary filmmaker Céline Baril’s poetic trip around the world

24 Davids: Documentary filmmaker Céline Baril’s poetic trip around the world

For her latest documentary, 24 Davids, Baril visited almost a dozen countries to meet people with big ideas on how to change the world.

Our Dominion Over All Other Creatures | Curator’s Perspective

Our Dominion Over All Other Creatures | Curator’s Perspective

The work of the Canadian Wildlife Service is highlighted in this classic 1970 documentary from the National Film Board of Canada.

First Stripes: An Interview with Jean-François Caissy

First Stripes: An Interview with Jean-François Caissy

To mark the occasion of the online release of First Stripes, filmmaker spoke to us about his film.