The NFB's 2008–2012 NFB Strategic Plan offers a vision for the future of Canada's public film producer and distributor – where we're changing to meet the challenges of the digital media world and utilizing new technologies to push boundaries, take risks and connect with Canadians in every region.

This Strategic Plan was developed after extensive consultations with media creators, producers and other people in the industry, and in response to feedback from communities and ordinary Canadians across the country.

At the heart of the plan are five key goals: creative leadership and programming excellence, wide accessibility and democratic engagement, a digital transformation, organizational renewal and a return to firm financing.

To find out more about the NFB's vision for the future of public filmmaking, click here.

As a vibrant instrument of social cohesion, the National Film Board of Canada must portray the full range of diversity in Canada and promote cultural and ethnic diversity, both on screen and behind the camera, throughout the film industry. In this way, the audiovisual heritage of our pluralist society will continue to be enriched and become all the more relevant.

The NFB is a public producer that is unique in its ability to adapt to change and renew itself, keeping pace with the evolution of Canadian society. Cultural diversity at the NFB is a core value manifested in its policies and programs. For filmmakers from cultural and Aboriginal communities, this commitment takes the form of support for professional development at all steps of production and postproduction, including project development and top-flight technical assistance.

In addition to specific initiatives set up to foster an environment favourable to the development of Aboriginal cinema and the emergence of visible minority talent, many films produced as part of the regular programming of NFB studios are also made by members of these communities.

The cultural diversity of the NFB is not limited to filmmakers but includes all production staff, craftspeople and administrative staff, so that the institution as a whole is a picture of Canadian society.

For more information on our initiatives:
www.nfb.ca/reeldiversity

John Grierson, the NFB's founder and first Commissioner, wanted the NFB to be the "eyes of Canada" and to ensure that it would "through a national use of cinema, see Canada and see it whole: its people and its purpose."

True to his vision, the NFB's mission today is to be an ever more relevant reflection of Canadian society. Through programming that puts priority on social and political issues, the NFB wants to give a voice to citizens and to help reinvigorate democratic participation in society. The NFB is also taking advantage of new technologies and the immense potential of the Internet to encourage direct dialogue with Canadians and to promote the circulation of ideas. The NFB's efforts in this regard are intended to create and develop a powerful public space promoting creativity, diversity, reflection, action and education.