CBC, NFB commit to ‘co-ordinated, long-term’ doc collaboration with new pact

Marie-Philippe Bouchard (left) and Suzanne Guèvremont signing the MoU

Alejandro Escamilla

Canadian pubcaster CBC/Radio-Canada has signed a documentary-focused memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the country’s public film producer the National Film Board of Canada (NFB).

Under the agreement, the organisations have pledged to work more closely on documentary projects and strategies, shifting from “project-by-project cooperation toward a more coordinated, long-term approach.”

The NFB and CBC/Radio-Canada said the MoU “establishes a framework for sustained collaboration across documentary production and programming, archives, new technologies, educational offerings, audience engagement and more – identifying new ways of better working together in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.”

The pact will see the entities explore ways for CBC/Radio-Canada to offer more NFB documentaries on its various channels and platforms, including the “potential” for new coproductions.

“This historic partnership between Canada’s public broadcaster and the NFB represents a natural evolution in the relationship between our two institutions,” said CBC/Radio-Canada’s president and CEO Marie-Philippe Bouchard.

“We are moving beyond simple collaboration to a sustained partnership that champions Canadian stories. By sharing our unique knowledge and expertise, we will be able to better support and promote Canadian culture and offer Canadians richer content and experiences.”

Government film commissioner and NFB chairperson Suzanne Guèvremont added: “The NFB and CBC/Radio-Canada represent two key pillars of Canadian cultural sovereignty. At a time when we need to work together to affirm and preserve what’s special about our country, this MoU opens new possibilities for us to pool our strengths and innovate, and deliver diverse and authentic Canadian experiences to new audiences.”