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THURSDAYS AT 7 P.M. Hello Film! Free screenings at the NFB in November and December

PRESS RELEASE
05/11/2025

November 5, 2025 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

As of November 6, the NFB’s series of free public screenings will resume on Thursdays—and one Tuesday—at the Alanis Obomsawin Theatre in the Quartier des Spectacles. Light up the long nights of November and December with these recent gems from the NFB’s collection on the big screen. Yuqi Kang’s award-winning documentary 7 Beats Per Minute will open the series.

For full details, visit events.nfb.ca/hello-film-free-screenings-at-the-nfb.

Quick Facts

All screenings begin at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30). Free admission. Reserve your spot now. 

  • Thursday, November 6: 7 Beats Per Minute by Yuqi Kang (2024, 100 min)
    Press kit

    The documentary captures the descent of a lifetime, when freediving champion Jessea Lu returns to the site of her near-death experience to face the traumas of her past and find a way back to connection. The film was selected to screen at over 15 festivals worldwide, including at South by Southwest, and received five awards.

    Preceded by the short doc Help! by Noémie Payant-Hébert (2016, 5 min).

  • Thursday, November 13: Nechako: It Will Be a Big River Again by Lyana Patrick (2025, 90 min)
    Press kit

    In the face of environmental destruction, the Stellat’en and Saik’uz Nations in British Columbia fight to restore their river and a way of life. The film received an Honourable Mention for the Colin Low Award for Best Canadian Director at the DOXA Documentary Film Festival in Vancouver.

    Preceded by the short doc Stories Are in Our Bones by Janine Windolph (2019, 11 min).

  • Thursday, November 20: In the Room by Brishkay Ahmed (2025, 75 min)
    Press kit

    Through a series of honest conversations, In the Room presents five extraordinary Afghan women in exile and their commitment to freedom and equality, which empowers them to take the world stage and reclaim their homeland. The film won the Audience Award in the Showcase category at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

    Preceded by the animated short Two Apples by Bahram Javahery (2022, 9 min).

    The screening will be attended by filmmaker Brishkay Ahmed, who will take questions from the audience after the film.

  • Thursday, November 27: Forbidden Love: The Unashamed Stories of Lesbian Lives by Aerlyn Weissman and Lynne Fernie (1992, 84 min)
    About the film

    Compelling, often hilarious and always rebellious, this documentary delves into the rich history of Canadian queer women’s experiences in the mid-20th century. The film received eight awards and mentions, including the Genie Award for best feature-length documentary in 1993.

    Preceded by the short doc Into Light by Sheona McDonald (2021, 19 min)

    Screening presented in collaboration with the Image+Nation Festival. 

  • Thursday, December 4: Night Watches Us by Stefan Verna (2025, 42 min)
    Press kit

    Documentary styles, street art and spoken word blend in Night Watches Us as it examines the systemic forces that caused the tragic death of a young man named Nicholas Gibbs. The film had its world premiere at Hot Docs in Toronto this past spring.

    Preceded by the short doc King’s Court by Serville Poblete (2025, 20 min).

    The screening will be attended by filmmaker Stefan Verna, who will take questions from the audience after the film.

  • Tuesday, December 9: Jireh Gospel: Hearts in Chorus by Wylem Decaille (2025, 45 min)
    Press kit

    Jireh Gospel: Hearts in Chorus is an intimate and uplifting portrait of Montreal’s celebrated choir. The film follows the ensemble as they prepare for their Christmas concert, revealing the group’s passion and commitment.

    The screening will be followed by a discussion with director Wylem Decaille and other guests.

  • To mark World Arabic Language Day (December 18)

    Thursday, December 18: Arab Women Say What?!  by Nisreen Baker (2023, 82 min)
    Press kit

    This film offers a counter-mainstream narrative on politics, identity and home, unfolding through the provocative conversations, hospitality and openness of a group of Arab women. The film was selected to screen at festivals in Canada and the United States.

    Preceded by the short doc Question Period by Ann Marie Fleming (2019, 5 min).

 

Getting to the NFB’s Alanis Obomsawin Theatre

1500 Balmoral St.
Montreal
Place-des-Arts Metro

Accessible to persons with reduced mobility.

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Version française ici.

Media Relations

  • About the NFB

    For more than 80 years, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) has produced, distributed and preserved those stories, which now form a vast audiovisual collection—an important part of our cultural heritage that represents all Canadians.

    To tell these stories, the NFB works with filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds, from across the country. It harnesses their creativity to produce relevant and groundbreaking content for curious, engaged and diverse audiences. The NFB also collaborates with industry experts to foster innovation in every aspect of storytelling, from formats to distribution models.

    Every year, another 50 or so powerful new animated and documentary films are added to the NFB’s extensive collection of more than 14,000 titles, half of which are available to watch for free on nfb.ca.

    Through its mandate, its stature and its productions, the NFB contributes to Canada’s cultural identity and is helping to build the Canada of tomorrow.