The National Film Board of Canada website is a treasure trove for film buffs.  This website contains approximately 3,000 free productions which include social-issue documentaries, short biographical films and good-humoured animations.  John Grierson, the founder of the National Film Board, wanted it to be the “eyes of Canada”, and it is still used today to promote cultural and ethnic diversity and to encourage creativity.

Those of you who are taking the TOEFL and IELTS are probably wondering why you should take time out of your busy schedule to visit the National Film Board’s website.  Here’s why:   it contains 65 categorized educational subjects. The film topics include visual arts and literature, World War II, the environment, sports, health care, technology – in fact, there are too many subjects to list in this posting.  This website is a rich repository of resources for learners who need to broaden their knowledge base on various topics in order to prepare for their English proficiency exam.  It is also a cost-effective way to continue your learning journey on those dreary rainy days or in your spare time.  Click on http://www.nfb.ca for more information.

I have included a sample 10-minute animation from the National Film Board, entitled: Who Are We?  It was produced in 1974, but it seems to me that it may be just as relevant now as it was in the 1970s.  Enjoy!

Who Are We?, Zlatko Grgic, provided by the National Film Board of Canada