The Canadian movie industry has been churning out terrific films since the early days of cinema; cutting edge flicks like David Hartford’s Back To God’s Country and Nanook of The North (the first feature length documentary) were both produced and shot here in Canada.
Over the decades, Canuck filmmakers and producers have continued to impress audiences with innovative and imaginative movies from all range of genres. To celebrate Canadian National Film Day, we’ve collected 5 Great Films You Might Not Have Known Are Canadian…
AWAY FROM HER
Newfoundlander Gordon Pinsent turns in one of his strongest performances in this touching drama about a married couple struggling to cope with Alzheimer’s, directed by fellow Canadian Sarah Polley. It earned praise at both the Toronto and Cannes film festivals and was nominated for 2 Academy Awards.
DEAD RINGERS
Toronto director David Cronenberg is at his eerie best helming this psychological thriller about twin doctors who manipulate and seduce women patients who have no idea they are being “shared” by the brothers. Shot and produced in Toronto and featuring several Canadians in supporting roles.
ATLANTIC CITY
A France-Canada co-production, this romantic crime drama earned a ton of Oscar nominations (including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress) and was a breakout role for Canadian icon Al Waxman. Shot in and around Montreal, as well in New Jersey.
ROOM
Based on a Canadian novel of the same name, this intense drama was shot in Toronto and co-written by Canadian/Irish author Emma Donoghue. It was a critical smash and earned a nomination for Best Picture at this year’s Oscars.
THE RED VIOLIN
This ambitious drama depicting the “life” of a mysterious violin and it’s various owners spanned four centuries and five countries and was a critical and commercial smash when it hit theatres in 1998. Directed and written by Canadians (Francois Girard and Don McKellar respectively) it was also shot in Montreal.