The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is launching a new FAST channel called TopDocs. The channel will feature a curated selection of documentaries from the NFB’s extensive award-winning catalogue – which runs to thousands of titles.
“TopDocs is a bold step forward in how we connect global audiences with powerful documentary storytelling,” said Nathalie Bourdon, director of distribution and market development. She added: “FAST channels are transforming the media landscape, and this launch allows us to bring the richness of the NFB collection to viewers in a fresh, accessible way—wherever they are, and whenever they tune in.”
TopDocs will initially be made available on the Zone-ify app, before expanding to other platforms. It will be anchored by around 150 hours of programming, with 20 hours of new content expected to be added monthly. At launch, it will be available in English, with a French-language version rolling out soon afterwards.
Zone-ify is largely centred on North America. But the NFB is planning on launching TopDocs at MIPCOM next week, with a view to building an international footprint. However this rollout will need to dovetail with its existing distribution strategy.
The NFB is a public producer and distributor of Canadian content, a talent incubator and a showcase for the country’s filmmakers and artists. Its website says that the organisation “produces or co-produces more than 50 works every year, from documentaries to animated films to interactive and immersive works. To date it has produced more than 14,000 works, 7,000 of which are available free on nfb.ca.”
Suzanne Guèvremont, government film commissioner and NFB chairperson added: “We live in a world where truth itself has become harder to recognise, stories harder to trust—and where the role of inspiring, meaningful storytelling has never mattered more. With TopDocs, the NFB is expanding access to stories that matter, amplifying unique and authentic voices, and creating a new global space for conversations.”
Pictured: Nathalie Bourdon, image courtesy of NFB
