Today, April 21st, 2021, is National Canadian Film Day. Go here to see where free screenings are available today across the county. If you are so inclined, please watch some Canadian cinema today. If not today, then check out a Canadian film this week, or even just some time this year.

We’re so overwhelmed by what Hollywood delivers to us here in Canada a lot of people never consider watching a Canadian movie. It’s tough to even make a living as a filmmaker in this country — forget about the six or seven figure salaries filmmakers in Hollywood get paid. And that’s because a lot of us don’t go out of our way to support other Canadians telling Canadian stories in the cinema. (We’re better for appreciating TV and series work, that’s true.)

I want to proudly declare that some of the best movies in the past year were Canadian. Consider this one and this one  both available on multiple digital platforms.  And if you’re reading this here in Nova Scotia, how about this one, available on iTunes?

For more suggestions of recent Canadian films, check out this list.

Also starting today in Halifax is the Emerging Lens Cultural Film Festival, which highlights African Canadian filmmakers and storytelling from people of colour. Through April 24 you have the chance to see a number of compelling new films, and they’re all free. You might also be interested in the Masterclass from Floyd Kane, local lawyer turned writer and series producer (North/South, Diggstown). Visit the Emerging Lens website for all the event and screening details.

(And, speaking of free, you’ll find a few quality Canadian titles available to watch today gratis at the Toronto International Film Festival website. Go here!)