NFB - Mediatheque

The Canadian Story Documentary Workshop

September 26 2007 to December 31 2008

Telling stories is what documentary filmmaking is all about. In The Canadian Story Documentary Workshop, students will learn about Canada's rich documentary history by discussing notable documentary filmmakers, screening clips from key films and identifying influences on contemporary documentary production.

While providing a historical overview of the genre of documentary, The Canadian Story Documentary Workshop will encourage participants to think critically and analyse the works presented. Students will be introduced to film terminology and encouraged to use this language in discussing and debating issues in contemporary documentary filmmaking.

This workshop is intended to be more than a history lesson; it is a journey through the genre of documentary before our time and in present day. We will look at how a film's impact on the audience is determined by decisions made during the filmmaking process.

In the latter half of the workshop, participants will discuss choices in documentary. Filmmaker position, voice, point-of-view and motivation will be examined while comparing and contrasting two works dealing with the same event, created by different filmmakers.

This workshop will encourage participants to question the concepts of truth and reality as they relate to the documentary. The NFB's role in documentary production will be explored in both a historical and contemporary context.

Following the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and research of NFB films by browsing our collection and screening films in the NFB Cinema and on our state-of-the-art personal viewing stations. Workshop participants will be provided with lists for guided viewing and a detailed bibliography for further research.

Target subject areas:

• Social studies 
• Canadian and world studies (politics, geography, history) 
• Media literacy 
• Language arts/media arts 
• Native studies

Learning outcomes:

• Media literacy 
• Effective oral communication 
• Understanding the filmmaking process 
• Film terminology 
• Appreciation for the creative process

Workshop duration: 2.5 hours
Fee: $5 per participant
Capacity: 80 participants
Grade level/age: Grade 11-adult (ages16+)
*Educators: It is suggested that students/participants bring notepaper and a pen to the workshops. Please note: this is an introductory, interactive course. This is not a documentary production course.
Call us today to book a unique experience for your group: (416) 973-2178.

By e-mail: nfbmediathequeonf@nfb.ca