Watch Absolutely Canadian independent documentaries from the Maritimes

Locally produced docs air this season on CBC TV and CBC Gem

Absolutely Canadian, the series of independent documentaries, is back for another season on CBC TV and CBC Gem.

CBC TV showcases documentaries on Saturdays at 9 p.m.

Check out these upcoming docs:

Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. - Chasing the Current

Image | Chasing the Current

(CBC)

A professional cyclist from New Brunswick finds inner transformation through fly fishing after two life-altering collisions. Director: Greg Hemmings

Sept. 24 at 9 p.m. - Words Matter

Image | Words Matter

(CBC / Absolutely Canadian)

Mi'kmaw poet and published author Rebecca Thomas uses words for a living, but she can't speak the language stolen from her father at residential school. Words Matter follows her journey to reclaim the language while exploring the complicated past that's kept it from her. Director: Stephanie Joline
RELATED: Words Matter: Thomas on a journey to reclaim Mi'kmaw language
Watch Words Matter here(external link).

Sept. 24 at 9 p.m. - Mi'kma'ki: Gwitna'q

Image | Mi’kma’ki: Gwitna’q

(CBC / Absolutely Canadian)

For the Mi'kmaq community of Miawpukek First Nation, reviving the tradition of Birch Bark Canoe building becomes a way to connect to the past and ensure cultural survival. Director: Wendell Collier

Oct. 1 at 9 p.m. - The Orchard

Image | The Orchard

(CBC)

An hour-long documentary about the multigenerational relationship between a working family, new immigrants, and nature, all brought together in a beautiful Orchard, maybe the perfect cooperative effort of humans and nature. Director: John Wesley Chisholm.
Watch The Orchard here(external link).

Oct. 8 at 9 p.m. - A New World of Hurt

Image | A New World Of Hurt

(CBC / Absolutely Canadian)

An ultrarunner battles oppressive heat and unrelenting hills as he tackles the 300-kilometre Cabot Trail on Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on a journey about love, loss and the strength of the human spirit. Director: Jason Taylor
Watch A New World of Hurt here(external link).


Watch these Absolutely Canadian docs on CBC Gem

My Name is Wolastoq

Image | My Name is Wolastoq

Caption: (CBC / Absolutley Canadian)

A candid and powerful window into the movement to preserve and celebrate Wolastoqey culture and identity, including the calls to formally reclaim the name of the Wolastoq (Saint John) River. Director: Nate Gaffney
Watch My Name is Wolastoq here(external link).

Elizabeth Bishop and the Art of Losing

Image | Elizabeth Bishop and the Art of Losing

Caption: (CBC Absolutely Canadian)

A fascinating exploration of the remarkable but tragic life of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Elizabeth Bishop, whose journey is indelibly connected to her Nova Scotia heritage. Director: John Scott
Watch Elizabeth Bishop and the Art of Losing here(external link).

Freedom Swell

Image | Freedom Swell

Caption: (CBC / Absolutely Canadian)

This powerful documentary highlights a unique surf program designed to empower African Nova Scotian youth to connect with the Atlantic Ocean and discover the healing power of water. Freedom Swell won best documentary at the Screen Nova Scotia Awards. Directors: Marie and Meaghan Wright
Watch Freedom Swell here(external link).

Dementia, Dad and Me

Image | Dementia, Dad and Me

Caption: (CBC / Absolutely Canadian)

The onset of his dementia brought a dramatic change to the relationship Hannah has with her father. Dementia, Dad and Me follows the two of them as they find new ways to connect, and to navigate the delicate transition of their roles from father and daughter to caregiver and cared for. Director: Hannah Minzloff
Watch Dementia, Dad and Me here(external link).

The Spirit Remains

Image | The Spirit Remains

Caption: (CBC / Absolutely Canadian)

An exploration on the lasting emotional impact on Acadians affected by the expropriation of their homes and land in order to create Kouchibouguac National Park in New Brunswick over 50 years ago. Director: Brian Francis
Watch The Spirit Remains here(external link).

Being Black in Halifax

Image | Being Black in Halifax 2022

Caption: (CBC / Absolutely Canadian)

Being Black in Halifax features four films from emerging directors that came out of the Fabienne Colas Foundation's Being Black in Canada mentorship program entirely dedicated to Black filmmakers. Directors: Deborah Castrilli, Tyus McSween, Guyleigh Johnson and Jodell Stundon. Read more here.
Watch Being Black in Halifax here.(external link)

Absolutely Canadian is a national one-hour series showcasing documentaries and performance programs that tell unique stories from communities across Canada. All programs are produced locally and highlight the works of independent filmmakers in each region.
CBC works closely with independent filmmakers throughout the region to produce this series.
You can see all previous seasons of the Absolutely Canadian series here(external link).