This short film pays tribute to beloved Canadian country rock band Blue Rodeo. They've been traveling the highways and back roads of Canada for almost 30 years, bringing their music to audiences far and wide, and building a passionate and dedicated fan base. The expressions on the faces in the crowd say it all: concert-goers are transported to moments in their lives that remain vital in their hearts. Blue Rodeo: On the Road follows this iconic band on the last leg of their 2014 tour, and revisits their early days through found footage. The film captures the essence of a band that is forever moving forward—and always finding inspiration for their songs in the landscapes and people of Canada.
This film was produced by the NFB in co-operation with the National Arts Centre and the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Foundation on the occasion of the 2014 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.
Portrait of a group of rock musicians living in Ontario who sing in both English and French. They live and create collectively. The film shows them on the road, on stage, in hotel rooms and in the recording studio. What differentiates them from other musicians is their strong sense of sharing, whether it be of the limelight, their talent, their creativity, or their income. The star system does not exist for them.
In this short documentary about The Tragically Hip, director David Battistella uses a split-screen and acid-etched colours to distil the iconic Canadian band’s essence. After decades together, through hotels, highways, gigs and recording sessions, The Hip’s members have forged a powerful brotherhood. "These guys are my life partners, musically" says bass guitarist Gord Sinclair. The Hip's brand of straight-ahead rock and roll has catapulted the band to international stardom, and ensured them a place in Canadian musical history, but at heart, they remain a bunch of guys from Kingston, Ontario, making music together just for fun.
This film was produced for the 2008 Governor General's Performing Arts Award.
This short documentary follows Quebec band Harmonium as they tour California in the mid-'70s with then-Premier René Lévesque in an effort to promote the province as well as introduce the group to the world's biggest music market. Here, we follow the ups and downs of Harmonium's promotional efforts and hear some of their music.
We're sorry, this content is not available in your location.
195419 min
This 1954 documentary short presents the famous Musical Ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In a display of brilliant horsemanship, scarlet-coated Mounties take their horses through the many intricate patterns of the Ride, performed to the accompaniment of band music.
This short film showcases the famed Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride. The Musical Ride features RCMP officers and their horses engaged in a sophisticated set of exercises and drills choreographed to music. The camera captures the magic of the event, following along at every angle and even offering an awe-inspiring bird’s eye view. Music, colour, movement, and horsemanship combine to produce a breathtaking spectacle.
The Commodores sing Aunt Rhoda, Polly Wolly Doodle, Sweet Genevieve, Loakie's Boat and I've Been Working on the Railroad. The words of the last four songs appear on screen for audience sing-along.