National Canadian Film Day shows our cinema isn’t just a backdrop

Over the years, moviegoers are bound to hear someone exclaim, “That was Canadian?!” People are accustomed to seeing their city streets stand in for major U.S. metropolises, but for some reason it’s difficult to believe they may have enjoyed a movie made by fellow Canadians. The country has a rich cinematic history, including award-winning films and filmmakers. Yet, we continue to fight for recognition in a landscape dominated by American movies. National Canadian Film Day is dedicated to highlighting some of the great pictures this country has to offer.

On April 15, theatres in every Canadian province and territory will host more than 2,000 free screenings. This year’s theme is “Let’s Dream Together.” Organizers curated a must-see list of films, based on the recommendations of 51 prominent Canadians. They include Margaret Atwood, Neve Campbell, Atom Egoyan, Anna Lambe (Inuk), Rick Mercer, Deepa Mehta and Sarah Polley. Their recommendations, spanning several decades, will screen alongside premieres, sneak previews and 2026 Canadian Screen Award nominees.

There’s also been an outpouring of international support for Canadian cinema with 49 countries hosting nearly 150 screenings. The films are being shared in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, and film festivals and cultural organizations worldwide. Check out the map of every location and a list of participating countries.

Canadian channel, Hollywood Suite, is also presenting 24 hours of all-Canadian programming on April 15 and all month on demand. Subscribers can celebrate homegrown talent from the comforts of their home, making the event accessible from anywhere. This year, the company’s annual tradition includes the premiere of Calgary’s supernatural horror film, Shadow of God.

In addition to their on-air festivities, Hollywood Suite is also co-hosting a 30^th anniversary screening of Hard Core Logo. The cult classic, presented with the Academy of Canadian Film and Television, will show at Toronto’s Varsity Theatre with Victoria Beard, Peter Dreimanis and Thyrone Tommy in attendance. The Calgary Underground Film Festival is also presenting a three-day retrospective with director Bruce McDonald and star Callum Keith Rennie attending.

Other programming highlights include:

• More than 40 film premieres and sneak preview screenings of 11 films, including a pre-release launch of Mile End Kicks.
• A tribute to Oneida actor, the late Graham Greene. His work will screen across the country, including at the Woodland Cultural Centre in his home community of Six Nations.
• Hollywood Suite presents 4K restorations of Canadian classics from the 1960s to 1990s: The Winter Kept Us Warm (1965), The Hard Part Begins (1973), East End Hustle (1976) and The Sweet Hereafter (1997), broadcasting on April 15 and all month on demand. Select titles will also feature exclusive introductions from comedians Emma Hunter (The Beaverton) and Ali Hassan courtesy of Reel Canada. 
• The Vancouver International Film Festival is hosting a two-week Canadian Film Showcase with more than 50 screenings, and special guests Carl Bessai, Sook-Yin Lee, Bruce Sweeney and many others.
• A massive event hub at the Scotiabank and Carlton theatres in downtown Toronto, featuring more than 20 screenings, and special guests such as Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs (Mohawk), Philippe Falardeau, Sherry White, Colm Feore, 2026 Oscar winner Chris Lavis and more.
• RCtv’s annual livestream for more than 10,000 high school students will showcase the recent release, Youngblood. Screenings will include an interactive Q&A with director Hubert Davis and star Ashton James, hosted by programmer Aisha Jamal.
• More than 150 screenings of 23 of this year’s Canadian Screen Award nominees, including all eight Best Picture nominees.

Film is about connecting, giving viewers a glimpse into other people’s minds and imaginations. National Canadian Film Day is an opportunity to celebrate local stories and talent, and see a little bit of ourselves on screen. Check out the full list of films.