Montreal film enthusiasts will have free access to a curated selection of Canadian documentaries this winter. Beginning january 15, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) will host weekly screenings every Thursday at the Alanis-Obomsawin Theatre in the Quartier des Spectacles, continuing through February and wiht additional screenings scheduled into March. The series will launch with the documentary Le temps dérobé, and feature films touching on themes ranging from elder law and online celebrity to social justice and the impact of cancer awareness campaigns. Reservations are highly recommended for the 7:00 PM screenings, with doors opening at 6:30 PM.
Montreal, January 12, 2026 – The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is offering free public screenings every Thursday beginning January 15 at the Alanis-Obomsawin Theatre, located in the heart of Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles. The series promises a curated selection of recent gems from the NFB’s collection, offering a cultural escape throughout January and February.
The acclaimed documentary Le temps dérobé by Helene Klodawsky will kick off the series. Additional screenings are scheduled for March. The NFB’s initiative provides accessible cinema for film enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, bolstering the city’s vibrant arts scene.
Full details can be found at Salut ciné ! | Free Screenings at the NFB – Events.
Key Dates & Films
All screenings will begin at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) and are free to attend. Reservations are highly recommended.
- Thursday, January 15: Le temps dérobé by Helene Klodawsky (2023, 85 min)
Press KitLe temps dérobé follows Melissa Miller, a charismatic lawyer specializing in elder law, as she battles the for-profit care industry. The film offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a legal battle and the emergence of a movement advocating for the rights of seniors – a cause with growing relevance as populations age.
The screening will be preceded by the short documentary film Orteils talons orteils talons by Gabrielle Cornellier (2018, 3 min).
- Thursday, January 22: Célèbre à tout prix by Tyler Funk (2023, 85 min)
Press KitIn the relentless “attention economy” of the internet, young influencers are pushing boundaries in pursuit of fame and fortune. Célèbre à tout prix is a striking and timely study of modern celebrity, venturing into the virtual Wild West to portray a new wave of ambitious and daring content creators.
The screening will be preceded by the short documentary film Mes réseaux sociaux et moi by Katia Café-Fébrissy (2015, 23 min).
- Thursday, January 29: À pleine voix by Saïda Ouchaou-Ozarowski (2021, 52 min)
Press KitIn recognition of the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia, the NFB will screen À pleine voix. The film showcases the voices of Muslim women who challenge stereotypes and share their experiences. Six Canadian women of Muslim faith speak out, dismantling preconceptions with determination and feminism.
The screening will be preceded by the short documentary film Période de questions by Ann Marie Fleming (2019, 5 min).
- Thursday, February 5: L’industrie du ruban rose by Léa Pool (2011, 97 min)
About the FilmIn observance of World Cancer Day (February 4), the NFB will present L’industrie du ruban rose. The film examines the marketing of breast cancer awareness, questioning where the millions of dollars raised annually actually go and how they are used.
The screening will be preceded by the short documentary film April Hubbard : inspirer par l’exemplarité by Monique LeBlanc (2025, 4 min).
- Thursday, February 12: L’amour : dernier chapitre by Dominique Keller (2021, 78 min)
Press KitIn celebration of Valentine’s Day, the NFB will screen L’amour : dernier chapitre. The documentary follows three couples navigating love and challenges in a retirement home, offering an intimate look at relationships later in life.
The screening will be preceded by the short film Anatomie by Patrick Bossé (2013, 8 min).
- Thursday, February 19: Neuvième étage by Mina Shum (2015, 81 min)
Press KitMarking Black History Month and World Day of Social Justice (February 20), the NFB will present Neuvième étage. The film revisits the 1969 student protests at Sir George Williams University, a pivotal moment in Canadian race relations.
The screening, co-presented by CinéCozry, will be followed by a discussion.
- Thursday, February 26: Au-delà du papier by Oana Suteu Khintirian (2022, 130 min)
Press KitThe NFB concludes its February series with Au-delà du papier. The film explores the impact of the decline of books on thought and learning, as the director embarks on a personal journey to preserve her Romanian and Armenian heritage.
Location Information
Alanis-Obomsawin Theatre, NFB
1500, rue Balmoral
Montreal
Place-des-Arts Metro
The venue is wheelchair accessible.
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