The year of celebrations that is Canada 150 has already been a blast, and one of the most exciting events planned to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Confederation is coming to you this month: National Canadian Film Day 150.

A Government of Canada Signature Project, National Canadian Film Day 150 is a film festival presented by REEL CANADA which will take place nation-wide on April 19th. Event organizers hope to turn Canada into one big movie theatre by planning screenings at various venues across the country with the help of hundreds of enthusiastic, movie-loving Canadians.

Just how large is this world’s largest film festival going to get? Well, you’ll be able to watch some fantastic Canadian films at over 1,400 different screening events in every single province and territory, including at large flagship events in major cities. Many of the events will be free to attend, and you can use the National Canadian Film Day 150 website to easily find events near you.

Media giants such as CBC, APTN, Bell Media and Corus, and Quebecor Media Inc. have teamed up with REEL CANADA and will be bringing Canadian films to television channels and to streaming platforms, helping to reach anyone who wants to take part and see some great films but can’t make it to an event. Canadian embassies around the world will be hosting screenings as well, so you don’t have to miss out if you’re not in the country.

National Canadian Film Day 150 is important not only as a celebration of Canada’s birthday, but also as a way to introduce Canadians to Canadian film. Since so much of the media and especially the movies that are seen every day by Canadians at movie theatres and at home come to us from south of the border, it is important for Canadians to recognize the wonderful films that Canadian cinema has to offer as well.

This unique Canada 150 event will be shining an unprecedented spotlight on Canadian film talent. Canadians will get a chance to see their own perspectives reflected in the work of storytellers and movie makers who live and work in this great country. Our cultural heritage is beautifully diverse, and National Canadian Film Day 150 is sure to be a reflection of that diversity.

All of the planning and organization of National Canadian Film Day 150 was made possible with generous help from both the Federal Government and the Government of Ontario, who gave $2.6 million and $400,000 respectively. Minister of Canadian Heritage Mélanie Joly emphasized how important culture is to the very fabric of Canada, and Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Hon. Eleanor McMahon likewise stated that National Canadian Film Day 150 will help Canadians feel a sense of ownership over their Canadian culture.

So don’t forget to mark your calendar for April 19th, and take at least a part of the day to celebrate Canada 150 with your friends and family by enjoying Canadian film during the world’s largest film festival.