First Public Screening in Canada
The first public screening of moving pictures in Canada took place at the Robillard Theatre in Montreal, marking the beginning of Canadian cinema.
1896
1913
First Canadian Feature Film
Evangeline, directed by Edward P. Sullivan and William Cavanaugh, was released as the first Canadian feature film, based on the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
1939
National Film Board of Canada Established
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) was established by the Canadian government to produce and promote Canadian films, playing a crucial role in the development of the Cinema of Canada.
1941
First Canadian Oscar Nomination
The NFB documentary, Churchill's Island, won the first Academy Award for Canada, highlighting the country's growing influence in global cinema.
1957
Formation of the Canadian Film Development Corporation
The Canadian Film Development Corporation (CFDC) was established to support the production and distribution of Canadian films, later becoming Telefilm Canada.
1964
First Canadian Film to Win Palme d'Or
Claude Jutra's Mon Oncle Antoine won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, bringing international acclaim to Canadian cinema.
1970
Rise of the Canadian Film Industry
The 1970s saw a surge in Canadian film production, with the CFDC funding numerous projects, leading to a golden age of Canadian cinema.
1980
Success of "The Changeling"
The horror film The Changeling, directed by Peter Medak and produced in Canada, became a critical and commercial success, showcasing Canadian talent in genre filmmaking.
1989
Atom Egoyan's Breakthrough
Atom Egoyan gained international recognition with his film Speaking Parts, establishing him as one of Canada's leading filmmakers.
1994
Success of "Exotica"
Atom Egoyan's Exotica premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, earning critical acclaim and solidifying his status in the global film community.
1997
The Sweet Hereafter's Triumph
The Sweet Hereafter, directed by Atom Egoyan, won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for two Academy Awards, marking a high point for Canadian cinema.
2001
Success of "Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner"
Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, directed by Zacharias Kunuk, won the Camera d'Or at Cannes, becoming a landmark film in Indigenous and Canadian cinema.
2006
Canadian Film Wins Best Foreign Language Film
The Barbarian Invasions, directed by Denys Arcand, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, highlighting the global recognition of Canadian cinema.
2012
Success of "War Witch"
War Witch, directed by Kim Nguyen, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, showcasing the continued excellence of Canadian filmmakers.
2014
Xavier Dolan's "Mommy" Wins Jury Prize at Cannes
Xavier Dolan's film Mommy won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, further establishing him as a prominent figure in Canadian and international cinema.
2020
Success of "Antigone"
Antigone, directed by Sophie Deraspe, was selected as Canada's entry for the Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards, continuing the tradition of strong Canadian cinema representation.
2023
Record Number of Canadian Films at TIFF
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) featured a record number of Canadian films, highlighting the vibrant and diverse landscape of the Cinema of Canada.
