Montreal – More NFB productions and co-productions than ever, from regions across the country, will be available for free streaming on nfb.ca in April. They include three compelling new films that are getting their online launches: Karsten Wall’s short documentary Modern Goose, which reveals how the mysteries of the natural world persist despite continual urbanization; Nisreen Baker’s feature-length doc Arab Women Say What?!, sharing the provocative perspectives of a group of Arab women living in Canada; and Monique LeBlanc’s feature The Geographies of DAR, a film about renowned author David Adams Richards and his connection to Miramichi, New Brunswick, one of Canada’s most overlooked yet breathtaking regions.
The April offering also includes various themed days, including Earth Day, with six channels exploring topics in the arts and science. In total, nfb.ca now features more than 6,500 online films and a collection of more than 100 interactive works.
Starting April 1
Modern Goose by Karsten Wall (2023, NFB) – ONLINE LAUNCH
Documentary short (22 min 41 s)
Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/moderngoose
Able to navigate by reading the Earth’s magnetic field, at home on land, air and water, geese straddle the territory between ancient instincts and the contemporary world. Combining beauty, humour and profound empathy, Winnipeg director Karsten Wall’s exquisitely observed film essay embeds in the daily life of these iconic animals to reveal a deeper message of continuity and connection. The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and was selected to screen at several festivals in Canada, the US and around the world.
Starting April 10, to mark the end of Ramadan
- Arab Women Say What?! by Nisreen Baker (2022, NFB) – ONLINE LAUNCH
Feature documentary (82 min)
Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/arab-women-say-whatWith unadulterated truth and complexity, Arab Women Say What?! paints an unparalleled portrait of Arab women living in Canada. Directed by Edmonton-based Egyptian-Canadian filmmaker Nisreen Baker, the film offers a counter-mainstream narrative that embraces the unique experiences and perspectives of eight Arab women sharing their insights, cuisine and laughter. Amid the rhythm of poetry and music, they tackle issues of feminism, politics, exile and the yearning for a sense of belonging.
The film was selected for several Canadian festivals. It follows the director’s earlier Things Arab Men Say (NFB, 2016).
- Arab communities in Canada
Channel:
nfb.ca/channels/arab-communities-in-canadaDiscover a selection of films that explores the rich contributions of Arab Canadians to the national fabric of society, including Me and the Mosque by Zarqa Nawaz and Maisonneuve by Jean-Martin Gagnon.
Celebrating Earth Day, April 22
Green Channel: nfb.ca/channels/the_green_channel
Our planet is precious! This channel presents nearly 65 documentaries and animated films on environmental topics, selected from the many fascinating productions about these subjects in the NFB’s collection. Watch recent films like Kevin McMahon’s Borealis or classics like Bill Mason’s Cry of the Wild.
Starting April 24
- The Geographies of DAR by Monique LeBlanc (2023, CinImage Productions/NFB) – ONLINE LAUNCH
Feature-length film (75 min)
Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/the-geographies-of-darDirected by Acadian filmmaker Monique LeBlanc, The Geographies of DAR is a captivating film that explores the life and literary works of David Adams Richards. Through stunning visuals, insightful interviews and excerpts from his writings, the film uncovers the profound connection between Richards and Miramichi, New Brunswick. It has screened at multiple festivals across Canada and was named Best Documentary Feature at the Silver Wave Film Festival in Fredericton, as well as Best Canadian Film at the International Festival of Films on Art (FIFA) in Montreal.
- Canadian writers
Channel:
nfb.ca/channels/canadian-writersA selection of 19 films about some of the most important figures in Canadian literature, including Margaret Atwood, Leonard Cohen and Hugh McLennan.
The NFB @ Hot Docs – April 25 to May 5
Channel: nfb.ca/channels/the-nfb-hot-docs
Explore a rich and wide-ranging collection of NFB films that have been honoured at Hot Docs, which has been celebrating the art of documentary filmmaking since it was founded in 1993. Watch Charles Officer’s Unarmed Verses and Kitra Cahana’s Perfecting the Art of Longing, among others.
Marking International Dance Day, April 29
Channel: nfb.ca/channels/dance-films
This channel celebrates dance, whether it be classical, modern, folk or popular. It includes almost 25 documentary and animated films, including Christine Chevarie Lessard’s feature A Delicate Balance.
Marking International Jazz Day, April 30
Channel: nfb.ca/channels/jazz
A selection of nearly 20 films on jazz or with a jazzy flavour, from the animated shorts Oscar by Marie-Josée Saint-Pierre and Street Musique by Ryan Larkin to the documentary Liberty Street Blues by André Gladu.