Chapter 13 Video Guide

Duke, D. (1975). David and Bert. National Film Board of Canada. https://www.nfb.ca/film/david_and_bert. This is a very touching documentary from the perspectives of two men with two completely different backgrounds. Itoffers insight into the mutual acceptance and differences from two very contrasting communities.

• What is the key to the long and lasting friendship in this documentary?

Smith, J.N. (1975). Welcome to Canada. National Film Board of Canada. https://www.nfb.ca/film/welcome_to_canada. The 1980s saw an influx of South Asian immigrants and refugees, particularly from Sri Lanka. This documentary looks at a specific group of Sri Lankan immigrants and the challenges they faced as they entered Canada for the first time.

• How did the Sri Lankan immigrants adapt to their new country?
• What were some of the political repercussions that these immigrants faced?

Greenwald, B. (1989). Who Gets in?National Film Board of Canada. https://www.nfb.ca/film/who_gets_in. This documentary discusses the ins and outs of immigration policies in Canada from a historical perspective. 

• Why is it difficult for some people to immigrate to Canada?

Hodge, J.&McTair, R. (1983).Home Feeling: Struggle for a Community. National Film Board of Canada. https://www.nfb.ca/film/home_feeling_struggle_for_a_community. The Jane and Finch area in Toronto was, and still is,a crime-ridden area, and this documentary examines how the community struggles to survive in an area that is plagued with racial tensions and high risk crimes.

• What are some of the factors that contribute to the area’s bad reputation?
• Based on the video, how did the authorities deal with the crime and racial tensions in the area?

Belkahodja, C. (2006). Hanging On. National Film Board of Canada. https://www.nfb.ca/film/hanging_on. This is a brief documentary on new immigrants and their struggle with employment in smaller communities.

• Why was it difficult for some of the new immigrants to become integrated into their workplace and community?

Kish, A. (1973). Our Street Was Paved with Gold. National Film Board of Canada. https://www.nfb.ca/film/our_street_was_paved_with_gold. This documentary showcases the different multicultural communities in Montreal.

• What was the appeal in Montreal’s St. LawrenceBoulevard that attracted many immigrants to settle in that area?

Morein, M. (2014).In Canada.National Film Board. https://www.nfb.ca/fim/in_canada/. This short documentary features the real-life stories and experiences of new immigrants to Canada. These immigrants share their overall experience of moving away from their home countries and settling in a brand new environment.

• What are some of the main reasons immigrants choose Canada as their new home?

Fowles, M. &Loften, A. (2016).Welcome to Canada. National Film Board. https://www.nfb.ca/film/welcome_to_canada_campus/. This is another personalized documentary featuring experiences, challenges, and motivations of a Syrian refugee living in Canada.

• How has Mohammed helped his community to resettle in Canada?

The Agenda with Steve Paikin.(2016). Syrian Refugees in Ontario Schools.YouTube. https://www.tvo.org/video/syrian-refugees-in-ontario-schools. Syrian children who came to Canada as refugees face numerous challenges, specifically in schools. This documentary discusses how they overcome these obstacles and integrate into their new communities.

• What are some of the traumatic experiences these children face and how are they dealt with by the schools and the school boards?