We know that the everyday lives of our students are inundated with media. This often-overwhelming menu of media-rich entrées gets served up at a rate that seems to value overconsumption more than proper and meaningful digestion. As educators, we may be left wondering, how do we beef up (or tofu up , if you prefer) our students’ appetites for media-literacy so that they can skillfully navigate our ever-changing, media-saturated landscape?

This playlist features films that confront racism. They are a small selection of films from the NFB collection that look at instances of racism in Canada, and support dialogue on equality and diversity.

Now more than ever is the time to consider the realities of Canadian-Black communities. Explore our collection of films by distinguished Black filmmakers, creators, and allies. We’ve selected a group of NFB films that portray the multi-layered lives of Canada’s diverse Black communities. The incredible stories of strength, courage and perseverance in the face of adversity that these films present are not often found in mainstream history books. Black communities and cultures have been part of Canadian history from its earliest days, but sadly, their contributions and the lessons they can teach are rarely studied at the elementary or secondary level in schools.

The seminal Canada at War documentary film series was first broadcast on the CBC on April 3, 1962. Its 13 half-hour episodes were culled from more than 14,000,000 feet of film, mostly shot by Canadian Army cameramen during the Second World War but also including footage shot by German and British film crews. It took a team of editors three years to put the series together under the supervision of documentary filmmaker extraordinaire Donald Britain (who also wrote the commentary). It remains, to this day, one of the most important works on the Second World War.

Educational playlists are selections of films on themes that tie in with Canadian curricula and address the important issues of the day. Many of the playlists are also linked to our study guides

Discover Saskatchewan—from its big cities and rural areas to its small towns and remote communities—through a selection of films that shines a spotlight on the province’s hidden treasures and fascinating characters. Suitable for both primary and secondary level students, this playlist includes animated and documentary films. These seminal works from our collection address the topics that matter most, ranging from historical subjects to the most pressing issues of the day.

This documentary introduces us to thousands of Indigenous Canadians who enlisted and fought alongside their countrymen and women during World War II, even though they could not be conscripted. Ironically, while they fought for the freedom of others, they were being denied equality in their own country and returned home to find their land seized.

The Indigenous Voices and Reconciliation learning channel aims to engage learners in discussions about Canada’s colonial history and its impact on Indigenous communities. Explore our collection of films by distinguished Indigenous filmmakers, creators, and allies.

NFB educational playlists are selections of films on themes that tie in with Canadian curricula and address the important issues of the day. Many of the playlists are also linked to our study guides.

In The Mountain of SGaana, Haida filmmaker Christopher Auchter spins a magical tale of a young man who is stolen away to the spirit world, and the young woman who rescues him. The film brilliantly combines traditional animation with formal elements of Haida art, and is based on a story inspired by a old Haida fable.

Short, digital lessons based on NFB films. Mini-lessons include 3 - 4 student activities, based on short film clips, with the option for students to 'go deeper'. Discover the selection of lessons that cover a diversity of topics, with new lessons being added monthly.

The National Film Board of Canada's award-winning online Screening Room has over 3,000 productions.

Films on this site can be streamed free of charge, or downloaded for your personal use for a small fee. We also offer educational works on a subscription basis to schools and institutions.

Our Collection includes documentaries, animations, experimental films, fiction and interactive works. We showcase films that take a stand on issues of global importance that matter to Canadians—stories about the environment, human rights, international conflict, the arts and more.

NFB's collection of educational films and resources.
Remember, as a SK teacher, you have access to materials here.

Bienvenue sur ONF.ca/éducation; l'espace de visionnage en ligne primé de l'Office national du film du Canada proposant plus de 5000 productions

Curriculum Connections to: Language Arts, Civics/Citizenship, Diversity/Pluralism, Family Studies

Every single person on this planet will experience gender and sexuality in a variety of ways. This playlist asks its viewers to consider the multitude of stories experienced by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities in order to create deeper, more empathetic understandings of what it means to be 2SLGBTQIA+ and additionally, to open up conversations about what it means for anyone to experience gender and sexuality.

Educators in particular can use this playlist with high-school-aged students to challenge stereotypical and prejudiced narratives about 2SLGBTQIA+ people, while adding complexity to the experiences of folks who identify as being part of this community. As students’ understanding and experiences of gender and sexuality continue to evolve, films like these can be important tools for them to see themselves or loved ones represented, to develop their capacity to discuss these issues, and to deepen their empathy for those whose experiences might be different from their own.

Curriculum Connections to: Language Arts, Civics/Citizenship, Diversity/Pluralism, Family Studies

Children pick up ideas about gender beginning in their infancy; they constantly observe the variety of families and forms of expression around them, and they might be curious about the feelings they have for others. The films on this playlist will help to open up conversations about gender identity and sexual orientation in age-appropriate ways for primary-school children.

Educators in particular can use this list to prompt thinking and discussion about how people might express gender or identify with one gender or another; or about why some families might look different from others; or about what love can look like. The films can be used as entry points to learning about gender stereotypes, name calling and safe spaces.

Children pick up ideas about gender beginning in their infancy; they constantly observe the variety of families and forms of expression around them, and they might be curious about the feelings they have for others. The films on this playlist will help to open up conversations about gender identity and sexual orientation in age-appropriate ways for primary-school children

Every single person on this planet will experience gender and sexuality in a variety of ways. This playlist asks its viewers to consider the multitude of stories experienced by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities in order to create deeper, more empathetic understandings of what it means to be 2SLGBTQIA+ and additionally, to open up conversations about what it means for anyone to experience gender and sexuality.