National Film Act of 1939 (Canada)
The National Film Act of 1939 was a significant legislative step in the evolution of Canada's film industry, establishing the National Film Board (NFB) with the goal of enhancing the quality and output of Canadian films. Initiated in response to concerns raised by Canadian officials about the state of local cinema, the act aimed to create a centralized body to oversee film production that would reflect Canada’s national interests and promote a positive image of the country on the global stage. John Grierson was appointed as the first film commissioner, guiding the NFB during its formative years.
Initially, the NFB focused on coordinating governmental film activities and fostering a sense of Canadian identity through cinema. However, as Canada entered World War II, the NFB shifted its emphasis toward producing patriotic films to support the war effort, diversifying into animated filmstrips as well. Over the decades, the National Film Act saw several revisions to adapt to changing societal needs, including the inclusion of French-language productions and a broader representation of cultural perspectives. The NFB has produced thousands of films, earning numerous accolades, including over sixty-nine Academy Award nominations, making it one of the most prominent government-supported film organizations in the world.
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National Film Act of 1939 (Canada)
The Law Legislation designed to initiate and promote the production and distribution of films in the national interest of Canada
Date May 2, 1939
The National Film Act of 1939 created the National Film Board of Canada, which promoted wartime propaganda films in its early years. It remains a leading force in film production of Canadian cultural and social themes.
In 1938, Canadian high commissioner to London Vincent Massey and his secretary, Ross McLean, identified the need to improve the quality of Canadian films produced by the Canadian Government Motion Picture Bureau. In June, 1938, after British filmmaker John Grierson was commissioned to survey the film industry, a report was released recommending both legislation and a central body for the film industry. On May 2, 1939, the National Film Board was established through the National Film Act. This act was designed to “initiate and promote the production and distribution of films in the national interest” of Canada as well as promote a positive image of Canada internationally. Grierson was appointed the first government film commissioner.
By the end of the 1930’s, the National Film Board moved away from its initial mission of coordinating film-related activities within government departments and promoting strong Canadian identity in film to producing and promoting patriotic films in support of war efforts. It also expanded its focus from traditional film production to include the creation of animated filmstrips.
Impact
The National Film Act of 1939 expanded and adjusted its mission throughout the years and underwent major revisions in 1950, 1970, and 1985 to address the need for inclusion of French-language works, female-originated projects, and television programming. Films produced by the National Film Board have garnered more than forty-five hundred awards and more than sixty-nine Academy Award nominations. Although its impact has waned over the years, it was once one of the largest and most influential government-controlled film producers in the world.
Bibliography
Evans, Gary. In the National Interest: A Chronicle of the National Film Board of Canada from 1949-1989. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1991.
Khouri, Malek. Filming Politics: Communism and the Portrayal of the Working Class at the National Film Board of Canada, 1939-1946. Calgary, Alta.: University of Calgary Press, 2007.
Waugh, Thomas, Michael B. Baker, and Ezra Winton. Challenge for Change: Activist Documentary at the National Film Board of Canada. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2010.