IBNS-CMEDIA: The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is releasing a slate of new films and series this May, including projects debuting on YouTube as part of a broader expansion of its digital distribution strategy.
Among the featured premieres is Good Luck to You All, a new animated short by Cordell Barker, known for the Oscar-nominated film The Cat Came Back. The film explores themes related to artificial intelligence and is scheduled for release May 18.
Also debuting later in the month is The Muse, a short documentary directed by Wanda Nolan. The film follows a road trip across Newfoundland involving photographer Ting Ting Chen and her subject, Robert Tilley. It has received multiple awards, including recognition at the Atlantic International Film Festival.
The NFB will also launch In the Closet, a documentary series by Ajahnis Charley, on YouTube beginning May 25. The series explores non-binary identity and fashion and will release two episodes weekly.
The programming forms part of a broader digital initiative, ON FILME, which aims to present works addressing contemporary social and political issues. The initiative will roll out projects from multiple filmmakers starting May 7.
In addition to new releases, the NFB will curate thematic collections throughout the month. Beginning May 1, its online platform will mark Asian Heritage Month with a selection of films highlighting Asian Canadian perspectives.
The collection includes titles such as To Kill a Tiger, directed by Nisha Pahuja.
The platform will also feature a selection of nominated films tied to the Canadian Screen Awards, scheduled to take place from May 27 to 31.
Separately, to coincide with World Press Freedom Day, the NFB will present a collection of documentaries examining the role of media and information in conflict situations.
The NFB said its digital platforms, including its website and mobile applications, offer more than 7,000 films available for free streaming.
