COMS 361 - Lecture 6, Albert Ohayon Interview on NFB Canada's Role in Canadian Nationalism

Nationalistic Propaganda: The Role of the National Film Board in Canadian Nationalism

Albert Ohayon: Curator of the English collection at the National Film Board of Canada (NFB).
Focus of research: Long history of NFB and its role in linking diverse peoples and geographies in Canada.
Importance of media in defining Canadian identity and nationalism.

Established: May 1939 by an Act of Parliament.
Common Misconception: NFB's creation tied solely to the war effort; actually aimed at establishing a film industry in Canada.
Mandate: Create films about Canadians for both national and international audiences.

Focus: Depicted everyday Canadians and ordinary topics.
Example: "The Case of Charlie Gordon" - a story about an unemployed young man finding an apprenticeship.
Illustrative Title: "Maple Sugar Time" detailing the spring extraction of maple sugar.

Canada was a disconnected nation; regional knowledge and communication were limited.
Lack of Media: Absence of television/internet restricted information flow; radio was the primary medium.

Aim to promote national unity by showcasing different regions and cultures.
John Grierson: First film commissioner emphasized the need to connect regions through film.

Common Man Focus: Films often highlighted teamwork and contributions of ordinary citizens.
Representation of Women: Portrayal of women's contributions during wartime, both at home and in factories.
“Voice of God” Narration: Dominant voice (e.g., Lorne Greene) provided authoritative reassurance through narration.
Heroic Music: Victorious and dramatic soundscapes elevated emotional responses.

Common Purpose: Emphasized that Canadians were united in working towards shared goals.
Unity Across Regions: Portrayed French- and English-speaking Canadians as similar to foster national unity.
Pride in Industrialization: Promoted Canada as a modern industrial nation despite its rural reality at that time.
Community and Activism: Highlighting communal efforts in problem-solving.
Democratic Values: Values emphasized in contrast to Axis powers during the war.

Democratic Propaganda: A means to educate the population and promote a hopeful future post-war.
Aim to instill a sense of national pride and unity through shared messages.

Emphasized the importance of common people and their contributions.
Anti-fascist element: Although subtle, films conveyed a message against fascism.
Example Film: "Hot Ice" showcased team spirit through hockey, ultimately portraying Canadian values.

Canada Carries On & The World in Action: Major series shown in theaters, circulating monthly.
Rural Screenings: Travelling projectionists brought films to small towns, generating community engagement and discussions.
Factory Screenings: Films shown during lunch breaks to keep workers informed and boost morale.
Access to Films: Available through universities and film libraries for home viewing.

“Voice of God” Narration: Used to assert authority and provide clear, optimistic messages.
Script Writing: Careful crafting to reinforce optimistic themes and strived for clarity.

One-sided message: Government-led narrative without diverse viewpoints or counterpoints.
Omissions: Underrepresentation of Asian Canadians, Black Canadians, and discussions on social issues.

Indigenous perspectives largely absent; portrayed through ethnographic lenses without giving voice to their experiences.
Films showed Indigenous Canadians but often narrated from a white perspective.

Diversity in Voices: Current NFB films feature a range of perspectives including those from Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and diverse cultural backgrounds.
Modern films aim to start discussions and engage rather than just inform.

Advances in technology since the 1960s allow for more dynamic storytelling and less scripted approaches.
The focus has shifted to enabling individuals to express their experiences rather than controlling perspectives.