National Film Board of Canada Adds New Director Generals

The National Film Board of Canada has named Stéphanie L’Écuyer as director general of programming and production and tapped Anne-Claire Lefaivre as director general of programming and audience engagement.

Having occupied these positions on an interim basis for over 18 months, L’Écuyer and Lefaivre are now officially the heads of the new National Film Board divisions. They will work separately but in collaboration.

In appointing these new roles, the National Film Board is also revising its structure. It is abolishing the positions of director general of programming, creation, distribution and marketing, and head of programming, along with the related assistant director general roles.

“Ms. L’Écuyer and Ms. Lefaivre both have the expertise, energy and insight needed to ensure that our productions embody the creativity and authenticity that are hallmarks of our national identity, while reflecting the country’s contemporary realities,” said Suzanne Guèvremont, government film commissioner and chairperson of the National Film Board. “They are committed to growing our audiences through works that speak to and inspire Canadian and Indigenous communities and that build new bridges with younger generations from coast to coast to coast.”

“I’m honored and excited to embark on this new chapter as the NFB’s director general of programming and production,” L’Écuyer commented. “I begin this role with a firm commitment to supporting the boldness and vision of local creators and providing them with the means to ensure their films achieve their fullest potential. My vision of collaboration aims to build bridges between creative talent and audience members, so that our programming reaches and inspires more people across the country. Together, we will continue to bring to life innovative works that reflect the diversity and richness of our Canadian and Indigenous experiences.”

“In a rapidly changing media landscape, collaboration is our greatest strength,” said Lefaivre. “I’m taking on my role as director general of programming and audience engagement with the determination to work in partnership, within our institution as well as with the industry at large, to develop meaningful, compelling narratives crafted by local creators. Working together, we have a unique opportunity to tell our own stories more effectively while staying true to the rich diversity that is Canada’s distinctive quality. Helping to fulfill that mission is a privilege, but it also comes with the responsibility to create and distribute works that make an impact in our time.”