Canada Film Day Celebrates Homegrown Movies and Offers a Symbolic “Elbows Up” to America

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The unanticipated supporter of National Canadian Film Day, an event celebrating homegrown movies held annually on April 16, is Donald Trump. His escalating trade disputes and comments about potentially making Canada the 51st state have sparked a wave of grassroots enthusiasm for this celebration of Canadian films.

2014 marked the start of this event, which is currently associated with the “Elbows Up, Canada!” resistance movement. Named after a bold ice hockey move popularized by Canadian NHL legend Gordie Howe, the campaign’s slogan has gained widespread support as a unifying call across the nation in response to the U.S. President’s trade conflicts and territorial claims.

All of a sudden, I find myself in a spot where I proudly elevate my elbows. Why not join me? Let’s express our love for Canada by settling down to experience a fantastic Canadian film,” says Jack Blum, one of the founders of Canadian Film Day, an initiative run by Reel Canada based in Toronto.

More and more Americans are getting acquainted with the phrase “Elbows Up,” largely due to Mike Myers saying it and tapping his left elbow on Saturday Night Live, as well as using it in a humorous political ad for Canada’s Liberal party. In this ad, Myers converses with the new Prime Minister Mark Carney, both of them in a hockey rink, fittingly enough.

This year, Canadian Film Day anticipates screening Canadian movies nationwide, both in cinemas and online. It is expected that approximately 2.5 million Canadians will participate, as suggested by Reel Canada. Local filmmakers and distributors view the increase in Great North patriotism under Trump as a special chance to showcase their independent films to movie-goers across the country.

According to Noah Segal, co-president of Elevation Pictures based in Toronto, Canadians are showing a growing sense of national pride, whether it’s their entertainment choices or the causes they back. It’s not so much about shunning Hollywood as it is about appreciating and supporting what feels like our own.

Canada’s Reel program intends to organize more than 1,700 temporary movie showings of Canadian films nationwide at libraries, Royal Canadian Legion facilities, museums, art galleries, schools, military bases, and retirement homes. Moreover, these screenings will also take place in embassies and consulates abroad.

Among the Canadian films set to be screened at the event are Matthew Rankin’s deadpan comedy titled “Universal Language“, Danis Goulet’s horror film with indigenous themes, “Night Raiders“, and Michael Mabbot and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee’s celebrated documentary, “Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story“, which chronicles the life of a groundbreaking trans singer.

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At the upcoming event, you’ll find Matthew Rankin’s deadpan comedy, “Universal Language“, Danis Goulet’s horror film about indigenous culture, “Night Raiders“, and the life story of Jackie Shane, a trailblazing trans singer, in Michael Mabbot and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee’s acclaimed documentary titled “Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story“.

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The lineup for the upcoming event includes Matthew Rankin’s comedy film “Universal Language“, Danis Goulet’s horror film with an indigenous theme, “Night Raiders“, and the inspiring story of Jackie Shane, a pioneering trans singer, in Michael Mabbot and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee’s celebrated documentary, “Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story“.

Additionally, you’ll find screenings of the inspiring drama “The Grizzlies” taking place in classrooms. This heartwarming movie tells the story of Inuit youth from a struggling Arctic town who change their lives through lacrosse. Following the screening, there will be a live-streamed event featuring Anna Lambe, the breakout star from “The Grizzlies“.

Previously leading the Toronto Film Festival, Piers Handling suggests that Canadians deeply understand the significance of the present circumstances. Initiatives such as Canada Film Day provide a platform for them to demonstrate their appreciation and protection of their native culture, much like opting for locally produced goods instead of American-made items.

Handling asserts that discussions surrounding tariffs and annexation will significantly impact various aspects of Canadian life for a while until they’re resolved. This influence extends beyond just the economy, reaching into personal spending habits, grocery shopping, entertainment choices like Netflix and Amazon, and even support for Canadian culture, film, and television. Canadians are rallying together, recognizing that the national institutions they’ve developed over time require reinforcement to weather these challenges.

On April 16th, domestic films will fill cinema and television screens as part of a nationwide “Buy Local” movement triggered by Trump’s tariffs and sovereignty concerns. Similar to how stores in Canada display maple leaves on their products to indicate local or sourced goods, Canadian filmmakers are now discussing strategies to encourage viewers to prefer locally produced movies and TV shows over popular American content.

As a passionate admirer of the arts, I find myself drawn to focus more on our very own cultural treasures. Why not invest in them right here at home? We’ve got a rich tapestry of theater, films, music, and even rock ‘n’ roll! So let’s give these gems the attention they deserve.

Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan, known for his critically acclaimed movie ‘The Sweet Hereafter,’ suggests that if you’re dedicated to promoting Canadian goods, it makes sense to buy from Canadian businesses, and luckily, there are numerous options available,” adds the Canadian auteur, with Canada Film Day featuring a screening of his classic film as part of their program.

Toronto actress Tiffany Branton, fresh from her lead role in the independent horror film “Doom Boogie” and preparing for a leading role in a self-produced short film this summer, expresses that it’s an opportune moment to introduce a homegrown movie tailored for Canadian viewers.

Branton states, “A lot of untapped talent in our country is getting overlooked amidst American productions filming up north. However, if you delve into independent films just as you scrutinize items at the grocery store, you’ll discover numerous Canadian-made and produced options.

It seems Handling is expressing a common sentiment, stating that enthusiastic Canadians are eagerly seeking homegrown alternatives to goods and services that originate in the United States. He explains that this desire extends beyond grocery shopping, as these individuals prefer staying domestic rather than traveling to the U.S. Instead, they’re on the hunt for Canadian-made products, particularly those related to culture.

In today’s globalized marketplace, identifying homemade media content with a “maple leaf” tag can be quite challenging, as people often overlook the origin of the products they consume, including where they are produced. According to Handling, this is because “we tend not to question the source of what we purchase or consume.

However, he believes it’s only a matter of time before, with Canadian unity and pride heightened by Trump’s fiery discourse, there will be a greater emphasis on homegrown entertainment. He predicts an increased recognition of items made in Canada, such as maple syrup, beef, summer vegetables, and cultural productions.

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He thinks it’s just a matter of time before we start focusing more on Canadian-made entertainment, given the surge in national pride due to Trump’s heated comments. He expects that soon we’ll be recognizing everything from our maple syrup to our cultural products as homegrown.

For numerous individuals, there’s an additional advantage – a broader understanding of a lively national culture that is sometimes eclipsed by its northern counterpart.

According to Feore, Canadians are becoming more mindful in their choices. They’re choosing wisely when it comes to buying strawberries or watching movies, and this conscious consumption will have a positive impact on Canadian art, artists, stories, and overall culture.

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2025-03-27 22:25