Canada's public film producer and distributor, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) provides the country and world with a unique perspective.

For over 65 years, we've been breaking ground in socially engaged documentary, auteur animation, alternative drama and more.

Along the way, we've crafted over 12,000 productions and received more than 5000 awards, including 12 Oscars® and more than 90 Genies.

Today, we're at the crossroads of innovation in the 21st century, bringing the NFB's tradition of trailblazing to the multi-platform digital universe.

1939: Creation of a National Film Commission
In May 1939, the federal government proposed the creation of a National Film Commission (soon to be known as the National Film Board), to complement the activities of the Government Motion Picture Bureau. The enabling legislation stipulated that the NFB was to "make and distribute films designed to help Canadians in all parts of Canada to understand the ways of living and the problems of Canadians in other parts."
The legislation also provided that the NFB, with its headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario, would co-ordinate the film activities of all federal departments.

1950: The National Film Act
As a result of a report commissioned by the federal government and written by independent producer Gordon Sheppard on government cultural policies and activities, the NFB began regionalizing its English production activities. Producers were appointed in Vancouver and Toronto and, soon thereafter, in the Prairies and the Maritimes.
The goal of this initiative was to recruit young filmmakers and encourage local production, particularly by spreading sponsorships more widely throughout the regions. The report also recommended that more films be made by the private sector.
Finally, the NFB closed some film depots in a number of Canadian communities, to begin the distribution of its own films in 21 Canadian cities. This marked the beginning of the decline of what were known as film councils.


CONTACT

Telephone
Headquarters, Montreal: 1(800) 267-7710 or (514)283-9000
Fax: 514-283-7564

We are ready to take your call Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm (Eastern Time)

Montreal CineRobotheque: (514) 496-6887
Toronto Mediatheque: (416) 973-3012

Head Office - Operational Headquarters address
Norman-McLaren Building
3155, Côte-de-Liesse Road
Saint-Laurent (Quebec)
H4N 2N4

Postal address
Postal Box 6100
Centre-ville Station
Montreal (Quebec)
H3C 3H5

International Offices

USA
New York
1123 Broadway, Suite 307
New York, N.Y. 10010 USA
Phone : (212) 629-8890
Fax : (212) 629-8502

Europe
22 Avenue du Maréchal Joffre
P. O. Box 20405
60635 Chantilly Cedex
France
Phone : 33(3) 44.31.05.79
Fax : 33(3) 44.32.13.19