Absolutely Canadian: Independent documentaries from Quebec
Locally produced docs | Available now
CBC's Absolutely Canadian is a national one-hour series showcasing the best in independent filmmaking from across Canada.
The series highlights diverse stories through locally-produced documentaries, comedy and dynamic musical acts, all of which are available to stream on-demand on CBC Gem. Please note that you must sign in for free to watch this content. If you already have a CBC account, you can use it to stream on Gem.
Season 24 of Absolutely Canadian offers a varied roster of films. Among the Quebec offerings are:
My Friend Omar
Omar is a seasonal migrant worker from Guatemala who like many of his peers found himself trapped under the weight of a restrictive "closed visa" system, bound to a single employer year after year. Directed by Christian de la Cortina, this POV exposé of the Quebec agricultural sector's unchecked abuses asks whether these are isolated incidents, or symptoms of a larger systemic problem.
Dream Without a Ceiling:The Art of Manuel Mathieu
A documentary about the Montreal visual artist of Haitian origin as he embarks on one of the biggest years of his career. Directed by Will Prosper.
Woods Music Part 1 and 2
The history of Irish songs in the White Pine Belt of North America is largely the history of Irish immigration to Canada. Director Méabh O'Hare explores the songs, singers and tunes of the lumberjacks, and how they formed a unique style and repertoire from their Irish heritage and new Canadian identity.
Being Black in Montreal
Being Black in Montreal features five films by emerging directors that came out of the Fabienne Colas Foundations' BEING BLACK IN CANADA mentorship program entirely dedicated to Black filmmakers. Read more about the films and filmmakers here:
The Death Tour
Death Tour follows wrestling hopefuls across remote Indigenous communities in Canada's far North on 'the most gruelling tour in indie wrestling'. This test of strength and grit will show how far some are willing to go to live their dreams.