CELEBRATING STUDIO D – Forbidden Love & Older Stronger Wiser

Created in 1974 by the National Film Board of Canada, Studio D was the world’s first publicly funded filmmaking facility for women filmmakers.

Studio D released more than 220 films before shutting its doors over two decades later in 1997. This acclaimed and wide-ranging body of work – produced entirely by women – won an impressive total of more than 130 awards, including three Oscars.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of its founding, the National Film Board of Canada in association with Canadian Women in Film Museum is presenting a selection of the Studio D’s films.

Forbidden Love (1 hr 24 min) This feature documentary delves into the rich history of Canadian queer women’s experiences in the mid-20th century. Contemporary interviews, archival footage, and a stylized fictional narrative based on the pulp novels of the 1950s are woven through this simultaneously funny, heartbreaking, and empowering film.

Older Stronger Wiser (27 min) In this short documentary, five black women talk about their lives in rural and urban Canada between the 1920s and 1950s.  What emerges is a unique history of Canada’s black people and the legacy of their community elders.

Runtime: total – 1 hour 55  minutes

There is no charge for booking.  However, upon arrival at the theatre, we would appreciate you paying what you can afford so that we may continue to offer our film program on this basis.