The National Film Board documentary Stampede, from 1963, took a look behind the chutes at the annual event. | National Film Board of Canada photo

Three NFB films capture Calgary Stampede’s evolution

Since its beginning in 1912, the Calgary Stampede has been about more than rodeo. Along with the cowboys are livestock, agricultural equipment and the latest technology. The first colour television in Calgary was showcased at the Calgary Stampede, said Christine Leppard, manager of exhibits and experience with the Sam Centre, a year-round Calgary Stampede attraction […] Read more

Farmer Ethel Rutledge enjoys a quiet moment near the Peace River in a scene from This Borrowed Land, a documentary released in 1984 by the National Film Board of Canada about life in the valley where the controversial Site C dam has been built.  |  NFB photo

Film told story of women farmers in B.C.’s Peace district

A retired farmer who lost her fight to save some of what she calls British Columbia’s best farmland says an important lesson Canadians need to learn is reflected in the title of a 40-year-old documentary. “It came from a quote I had said,” said Ruth Veiner. Related stories: ‘They can’t stop us’: farmers dig in […] Read more

Cheryl Foggo examines a photograph of John Ware in a scene from her National Film Board documentary, John Ware Reclaimed.  |  NFB photo

Documentary remembers black cowboy legend from Alta.

A former American slave who became an Alberta icon because of his skills as a cowboy and rancher helped inspire a black filmmaker to understand her own place in the real history of Western Canada. “It was very confusing for me as a child to be aware that black roots in the country were long […] Read more


A film crew shoots a scene with the actors playing the pioneer Greer family in Drylanders. The sod house in the background was built for the film on the Thierman farm near Webb, Sask.  |  Photo courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada

Drylanders film depicted homesteaders’ prairie gamble

How did a pioneer family with no farming experience find the courage to gamble everything on an uncertain new life as homesteaders in Western Canada? “I tried to look cheerful when we got off the train, and when he bought the wagon,” said Liza Greer about her husband, Dan, as they slowly travelled with their […] Read more