Films by and about women documented women’s lives, explored issues of inequality and discrimination, and recorded stories of struggle and change. Initiatives such as Studio D, a publicly funded women’s film production unit at the National Film Board of Canada created in 1974, opened doors for women in film-making.  Independent women film-makers also made their mark working on their own or with the support of women’s groups or other progressive organizations.

The advent of the video-camera also made it possible for others outside the industry to make films. Some tapes provide informal and often unedited glimpses of actions, events, and people. Others were the result of scripted, well-organized, and professionally filmed projects.

The films in this section include ones with public access rights, as well as others for which we have obtained permission to post on this site. If you have a question or concern, please contact us.