Lesson Plan: The Canadian Film Industry

Lesson Plan

Before Exploring

Ask students to brainstorm the term "Canadian culture" and record their thoughts and observations on the board or chart paper. Ask: What was the last Canadian film you saw? What are the differences between Canadian and American films? Are there any? Should there be?

Outline the Opportunity

Direct students to the topic Master Storyteller Norman Jewison on the CBC Digital Archives website. Students will view the clips titled "Turning his back on his homeland?", "Jewison returns home", "Giving Canadian filmmakers a home" and "Investing in dreams", and record the important points and ideas about the Canadian film industry.

Once they have explored the site, divide the class into pro and con sides to debate the following proposition: Canadian government and banks should stop all funding to Canadian filmmakers. Students should use their notes to support their ideas. Provide students with the download sheet The Canadian Film Industry to help them organize their thoughts.

Revisit and Reflect

Allow students to informally debate the proposition. Write the arguments for both sides on the board or chart paper. Students should be prepared to defend their position and to rebut the other side. After the debate, ask: What do you think would happen to the Canadian film industry if all government support stopped?

Extension

Students can write an opinion paper outlining their thoughts about the importance of maintaining a well-funded Canadian film industry.