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Work for All

Work for All

Work for All is a collection of short films and related on-line resources that address racism in the workplace. Created by filmmakers across Canada, the 11 documentary, drama and animated films dealing with direct and systematic racism tell stories that range from the intensely personal to broader social explorations, all designed to provoke thought and discussion.

The NFB screening room has a number of related films on racism in the workplace, racism in general and cultural diversity. Search its collection at NFB.ca or view its playlist on anti-racism, created to complement the Work for All series, and its playlist on bridging cultures, launched in collaboration with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO for the 2010 International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures.

Work For All is produced by the National Film Board of Canada with the participation of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

  • Doctors Without Residency
    2010|9 min

    This short documentary highlights how racism prevents foreign-trained doctors from practicing in Canada – even after they've received their Canadian qualifications. Just who is incompetent: foreign-trained doctors, or the system?

  • As I Am
    2010|4 min

    This short experimental documentary challenges stereotypes about Aboriginal people in the workplace. Featuring portraits set to a powerful poem by Mohawk writer Janet Marie Rogers, the film urges viewers to go beyond their preconceived notions. As I Am is a celebration of Aboriginal people’s pride in their work and culture.

    This film is part of the Work For All series, produced by the National Film Board of Canada, with the participation of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

  • The Colour of Beauty
    2010|16 min

    Renee Thompson is trying to make it as a top fashion model in New York. She's got the looks, the walk and the drive. But she’s a black model in a world where white women represent the standard of beauty. Agencies rarely hire black models. And when they do, they want them to look “like white girls dipped in chocolate.”

    The Colour of Beauty is a shocking short documentary that examines racism in the fashion industry. Is a black model less attractive to designers, casting directors and consumers? What is the colour of beauty?

    This film is part of the Work For All series, produced by the National Film Board of Canada, with the participation of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

  • The Interview
    2010|2 min

    In The Interview, racial stereotypes and prejudices deprive a highly qualified candidate of a fair interview – and may prevent an employer from hiring the best person for the job.

    This film is part of the Work For All series, produced by the National Film Board of Canada, with the participation of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

  • Jaded
    2010|14 min

    This sharp and funny mockumentary uses role reversal to illustrate the realities of overt and systemic racism in the workplace.

    This film was made as part of the Work For All project, an NFB and HRSDC-Labour initiative to combat racism in the workplace.

  • Voice Job
    2006|9 min

    This short documentary profiles a different tool for getting work. In an immigration-rich society, the agency Voice Job offers an alternative to the traditional job search. This film was made as part of the Work For All project 2006, an NFB and HRSDC-Labour initiative to combat racism in the workplace.

  • Still Waiting for Justice
    2006|15 min

    This short documentary is about an Aboriginal corrections officer who says he is the victim of workplace racial harassment. He has spent the last 18 years fighting a government institution for justice. Made as part of the Work For All project 2006, an NFB and HRSDC-Labour initiative to combat racism in the workplace.

  • Screen Test
    2004|6 min

    This short documentary portrays an actor's perspective on ethnocentrism and systemic racism in the entertainment industry. Made as part of the Work for All project in 2006, an NFB and HRSDC-Labour initiative to combat racism in the workplace.

  • Making It
    2006|10 min

    This short documentary is an inspiring portrait of Black youth who have made their ambitious dreams come true through willpower. Made as part of the Work For All project 2006, an NFB and HRSDC-Labour initiative to combat racism in the workplace.

  • Hanging On
    2006|14 min

    This short documentary shows the struggle that young immigrants have in a small community unaccustomed to cultural diversity and their frustration at not having their skills recognized by the job market and their peers. Hanging On is part of the Work For All project 2006, an NFB and HRSDC-Labour initiative to combat racism in the workplace.

  • Une femme de tête
    2006|14 min

    This film tells the moving story of one woman fighting for her rights and preserving her dignity. Made as part of the Work for All project in 2006, an NFB and HRSDC-Labour initiative to combat racism in the workplace. In French with English subtitles.