National Canadian Film Day

National Canadian Film Day History

National Canadian Film Day aims to showcase the richness and diversity of Canada's film industry, with a focus on promoting Canadian talent and content. This observance encourages Canadians to explore the country's thriving cinema scene and engage with Canadian films, spanning different genres, languages, and backgrounds. Through this, National Canadian Film Day aims to contribute to the growth of Canadian cinema and highlight its distinct sensibilities and storytelling techniques.

The origins of National Canadian Film Day can be traced back to 2014, when it was established by the non-profit organization REEL CANADA. Since its inception, the celebration has expanded to include various initiatives that touch upon education, public screenings, and virtual events. In tandem with this growth, National Canadian Film Day has become a significant cultural event for Canadians, encouraging dialogue and fostering a sense of pride in the country's unique cinematic footprint.

National Canadian Film Day is observed in Canada through various events and activities organized throughout the country, including film screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and social media campaigns that promote Canadian cinema. The day often witnesses special releases of Canadian films across platforms and exclusive screenings held at schools, libraries, and community centers. National Canadian Film Day typically occurs on the third Wednesday of April.

Top facts about National Canadian Film Day

• In 2024, the National Canadian Film Day will highlight Film that A.I. Could Never Make.
  National Canadian Film Day in 2022 will showcase cinema by Indigenous filmmakers working in Canada by Celebrating Indigenous Voices.
• According to Statistics Canada, in 2023, more than 73% of Canadians paid for at least one Subscription Video on Demand Service (SVOD).
  According to Finder, more than 65% of Canadians are subscribed to at least one streaming service with Netflix being the most popular streaming service followed by Amazon Prime Video.
• In 2024, National Canadian Film Day will feature 50 films made by Canadians.
  In 2022, National Canadian Film Day featured 941 screenings of 53 indigenous-made films.
• The Canadian film industry is colloquially known as Hollywood North, due to its popularity as a shooting location for many American productions, such as those from Hollywood.
• The National Film Board of Canada, established in 1939, is one of the world’s foremost producers of documentary films and has won multiple Academy Awards for its work.

In the News and Trending for National Canadian Film Day

Top things to do for National Canadian Film Day

• Watch the four hour long livestream CanFilmDay Live. Many guests aired on the livestream including Sandra Oh, Jay Baruchel, Megan Follows, Don Mckellar, and many others.
• Plan an online watch party.
• Watch highlights from National Canadian Film Day 2020.
• With the rise of digital events, several online film screenings and virtual panel discussions take place as well.
• Some people host film-themed parties at home where attendees are given a list of exclusively Canadian films to watch.