#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA ANNOUNCE SUPPORT OF 25 MEDIUM TO LARGE SCALE FILM FESTIVALS (OCTOBER 2025)

Telefilm Canada is supporting 25 Canadian film festivals, under the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program (in its second round of decisions). A total of 47 film festivals are supported under this program in fiscal year 2025-2026 with 22 film festivals supported in the first round. This second intake of the program represents an additional investment of $2.26 million. 

The Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program provides financial support to long-established medium to large-scale Canadian film festivals that help promote Canadian films and talent and stimulate demand for our multiscreen content.   

Telefilm is committed to advancing the development of the industry and reaching audiences where they are. Through this program, Telefilm supports film festivals across the country and remains committed to foster and support an industry that is representative of all communities in Canada.   

List of all medium to large-scale film festivals supported by Telefilm (starting between April 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026):
 

2026 Atlantic International Film Festival
2026 Calgary International Film Festival
2026 Calgary Underground Film Festival
2026 CaribbeanTales International Film Festival
2026 Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival
2026 DOXA Documentary Film Festival
2026 Gimli International Film Festival
2026 Hot Docs Festival
2026 imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
2026 Inside Out Film Festival
2026 iSAFF International South Asian Film Festival
2026 Lunenburg Doc Fest
2026 Ottawa International Animation Festival
2026 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF)
2026 Vancouver International Film Festival
2026 Vancouver Queer Film Festival
2026 Yorkton Film Festival
Festival cinéma du monde de Sherbrooke 2026
Festival de cinéma de la ville de Québec 2026
Festival du film de l’Outaouais 2026
Festival Fantasia 2026
Festival international de cinéma et d’art Les Percéides 2026
Festival international de cinéma Vues d’Afrique 2026
Festival International du Film Black de Montréal 2026
Les Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma 2026

The decision-making process takes into account the promotion of Canadian and Indigenous content and talent, and Telefilm’s objective to fund an equitable and balanced portfolio in terms of regional representation and diversity of voices.

#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA, CANADA MEDIA FUND, INDIGENOUS SCREEN OFFICE AND NATIONAL FILM BOARD OF CANADA ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

Telefilm Canada, alongside the Canada Media Fund (CMF), the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) and the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), are announcing a strategic partnership to strengthen the audiovisual sector’s understanding and reach of audiences by prioritizing and harmonizing the measurement and collection of audience data.

This new audience data initiative is one of the various projects brought forth by the table of leaders at federal organizations of the audiovisual sector (Telefilm, CMF, ISO and NFB). For more than a year, the federal audiovisual table has been working with the department of Canadian Heritage to modernize the Canadian audiovisual ecosystem marked by intense competition and questions of cultural sovereignty. This concerted audience-centred approach will inform more effective strategies for reaching audiences, increasing the impact of the richness and diversity of Canadian and Indigenous stories —whether in feature films, television, documentaries, or animated films— and ensuring its discoverability across digital platforms and cinemas.

Building on the Telefilm-led pan-Canadian consultation, which engaged over 50 active companies and key partners in the audiovisual sector, and resulted in the Exploring the Futures of Distribution – Strategic Visions for the Canadian Audiovisual Industry report, greater collaboration is essential to create a cooperative ecosystemic approach centred around audience.

“This joint initiative is a foundational step towards centering audiences around everything that we do, combining our expertise and audience-data to bridge the gap between our ecosystem’s value chains and audiences,” said Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada. “The continuity of our partnerships is paving the way for us to better support the cultural impact of Canadian and Indigenous cinema and position our stories where they belong – at the forefront of screens at home and abroad.”

“This is just the beginning of a major undertaking that will lead to a more concerted action with not only the funding agencies, but will also involve the audiovisual sector at large,” said Valerie Creighton, President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund. “By modernizing how we gather and share audience insights, we will ensure the viability of Canadian content in an era of rapid broadcast and digital change.”

“By strengthening our data collection and audience insights, we can better understand how Indigenous stories are discovered, shared and watched,” said Kerry Swanson, CEO of the Indigenous Screen Office. “This will allow us to amplify Indigenous voices, ensure equitable visibility in the marketplace, and connect these vital narratives with audiences across the country and the world.”

“This collaboration marks a turning point for Canada’s film ecosystem,” said Suzanne Guèvremont, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the National Film Board of Canada. “By aligning our approaches, the production, promotion and distribution of Canadian films will be better positioned to reach Canadians and reflect the richness, diversity and creativity of our stories for years to come.”

Ongoing key partnerships among the agencies include:

Canada Media Fund and Telefilm Canada announce a three-year joint strategy to increase industry inclusivity
ISO to administer CMF’s $10m Indigenous Program in a new chapter for Indigenous screen content | Canada Media Fund
In a collaboration to equip Canadian producers with innovative technology and skills to drive viewership, Telefilm Canada, the Canada Media Fund, and the National Film Board of Canada are joining founding sponsors to expand Magnify Digital’s Audience Development Pilot.

The collaboration of the four organizations to work towards a structured modernization of the Canadian audiovisual distribution landscape will involve many players in the audiovisual sector. More to come in the months ahead.

#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT IN INDIGENOUS FILM PROJECTS (AUGUST 2025)

Telefilm Canada is announcing its investment of $2.68 million in five Indigenous film projects through the Indigenous funding streams for the Theatrical Documentary Program and the Production Program in both the English and French markets.

An annual commitment of $4 million is earmarked for Indigenous creators from Canada’s Indigenous communities, with the remainder amount reserved for Indigenous projects submitted through the Talent to Watch Program and the Development Program.

Ancestral Beasts (horror)

Director and Screenwriter: Tim Riedel

Production: 16198872 Canada Inc

Province: Ontario

Language: English

Instant Indian – The Hijacking of a Nation (documentary)

Director and screenwriter: Jules Koostachin

Production: Xa7tus Productions Inc.

Distribution: IndieCan Entertainment

Province: British Columbia

Language: English

Little People (drama)

Directors: Sarah Houle and Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi

Screenwriters: Shane Ghostkeeper and Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi

Production: Muskego Inc.

Province: Alberta

Language: English and Cree – nehiyawak

The Skins Game (drama)

Director: Jon Elliott

Screenwriter: Justin Neal

Production: Holy Crow Productions

Province: British Columbia

Language: English

Une tragédie inuite: La police au Nunavik (documentary)

Directors: Kim O’Bomsawin and Olivia Ikey

Screenwriters: Kim O’Bomsawin and Chaz Beaudette

Production: Nikan Productions (VI) Inc.

Province: Quebec

Language: French

Telefilm received and assessed 22 projects representing more than $16 million in funding requests. Project submissions were considered by an Advisory Committee, and Telefilm met with all shortlisted teams.

More funding decisions, including projects from the Indigenous stream and the Theatrical Documentary Program will be announced in the coming weeks. Statistics on all films funded in the year will be published in the 2025–26 Annual Report.

An advisory committee composed of external and internal representatives has evaluated the projects and made its recommendations. The decision-making process is designed to ensure that Telefilm funds a balanced production portfolio reflecting a variety of genres, budgets, company sizes, regions of the country, and perspectives. A list of the selection committee members will be posted on Telefilm’s Project Financing Advisory Committees page once all funding decisions have been made.

About Telefilm Canada  

As a Partner of Choice, Telefilm Canada is a Crown corporation dedicated to the success of Canada’s audiovisual industry, fostering access and excellence by delivering programs that support cultural resonance and audience engagement. With a lens of equity, inclusivity and sustainability, Telefilm bolsters dynamic companies and a range of creative talent at home and around the world. Telefilm also makes recommendations regarding the certification of audiovisual coproduction treaties to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2012, the Talent Fund raises private donations which principally support emerging talent. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on LinkedIn,  X, Facebook,  Instagram and Letterboxd.    

#FIRSTLOOK: CANADIAN FILM TO BE SPOTLIGHTED AT 2025 LOCARNO FILM FESTIVAL

Canadian cinema will be in the spotlight at the 78th Locarno Film Festival with four feature-length films and three short films all world premiering at the festival. In addition, Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige’s Memory Box (France/Lebanon/Canada/Qatar coproduction) is featured in Histoire(s) du Cinéma and will receive the prestigious Raimondo Rezzonico Award. Alongside the films in selection, Canada is the focus country at the 14th edition of First Look, an industry initiative that serves as a key post-production platform for international arthouse projects.

In the Filmmakers of the Present competition, two narrative Canadian features were selected, first-time feature film director Sophy Romvari’s Blue Heron (Canada/Hungary coproduction which received funding in Telefilm’s Talent to Watch Program) and directorial debut of Éric K. Boulianne’s Folichonneries (his short Faire un enfant won the Best Director award at the 76th Locarno Film Festival in 2023). In the international competition is Ben River’s Mare’s Nest (UK/France/Canada coproduction), and in the non-competitive section is Steven Kostanski’s Deathstalker, a genre film with executive producer Slash from Guns N’ Roses.

In the shorts competition, Ryan McKenna’s Solitudes (his second short selected at Locarno), Alexandre Dostie’s BOA (Canada/France coproduction), and Jean-Sébastien Hamel and Alexandra Myotte’s animated short Ce qu’on laisse derrière (What We Leave Behind) (their previous short film was shortlisted at the 2025 Oscars®) – were all produced in Quebec.

“Canada makes a powerful mark at Locarno with eight films in selection, one prestigious award and six promising teams in First Look — a record-breaking celebration of Canadian talent!” said Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada. “Locarno has long championed Canadian voices like Denis Côté, Trevor Anderson and Matthew Rankin, and this year reaffirms Canada’s growing impact on global cinema. Our expanding international collaborations and audience markets not only reflect the strength of our storytelling today but also lay a strong foundation for the next generation of storytellers to thrive on the world stage.”

Locarno’s First Look, in partnership with Telefilm Canada, is set to showcase six Canadian feature-length films that are currently in post-production with a goal to enhance their sales prospects and international festival runs. This industry-oriented initiative offers an international platform for Canadian producers to introduce their selected projects, followed by screenings with an audience of sales agents, buyers, festival programmers.

With over 30 submissions, the following feature-length films are selected at Locarno’s First Look:

-Geneviève Dulude-De Celles’s Nina Roza (Quebec)
-Sophie Leblond’s Lhasa (Quebec)
-Nick Butler’s Lunar Sway (British Columbia)
-Raymond St-Jean’s Veins (Quebec)
-Catherine Hébert and Elric Robichon’s We Will Not Be Silenced (Quebec)
-Bryce Hodgson’s Thanks to the Hard Work of the Elephants (British Columbia/Ontario/Quebec)

#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA INVESTS IN 27 LOW-BUDGET PROJECTS IN ENGLISH MARKET (JUNE 2025)

Telefilm Canada announces its investment in 27 feature-length films in the English market with a commitment of over $14.4 million, under the Production Program’s low budget stream, including international coproductions.

This year’s selection demonstrates strong provincial representation and appeals to a wide range of audiences, from science fiction and horror to comedies and dramas. 

Last month, 12 big-budget feature films in the English market were announced here.

Atlantic

Back For The Holidays (horror/thriller)
Director and screenwriter: Michael Gabriele
Production: Dark Venetian Red Pictures Inc.
Province: Prince Edward Island
Language: English

Clara and Vanessa (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Thom Fitzgerald
Production: Emotion Pictures Incorporated
Province: Nova Scotia
Language: English

Feed (horror)
Director: Nancy Urich
Screenwriters: Nancy Urich and Stephanie Johns
Production: CUT/OFF/TAIL Pictures Inc.
Province: Nova Scotia
Language: English

The Executor (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Joe Cobden
Production: Holdfast Pictures Inc.
Province: Nova Scotia
Language: English

Quebec

Good in the Room (crime-thriller)
Director: Pat Kiely
Screenwriters: Pat Kiely and Mark O’Brien
Production: Banner House Productions Inc. and Grand Touring Production Inc.
Province: Quebec and Ontario
Language: English

Worm (horror)
Director: James Watts
Screenwriters: Kelly Hurcomb and James Watts
Production: Good House Digital Inc.
Distribution: Vortex Media
Province: Quebec
Language: English

Ontario and Nunavut

Below Morning (science fiction/fantasy/tale)
Director and screenwriter: Randall Okita
Production: Lockpicker Productions Inc.
Distribution: Game Theory Films
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Devour (horror)
Director: Erica Orofino
Screenwriters: Erica Orofino and Olivia Loccisano
Production: Wildling Pictures Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Dinner with Friends (drama)
Director: Sasha Lee Henry
Screenwriters: Sasha Leigh Henry and Tania Thompson
Production: Admiral Productions Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Dirty (horror)
Director and screenwriter: Devon Graye
Production: Let’s Get Dirty LTD.
Province: Ontario
Language: English

IMPORT (thriller)
Director: Paul Shkordoff
Screenwriters: Frank Graziano and Paul Shkordoff
Production: OPC. TV INC, Sweet George Films and Metafilms
Province: Ontario and Quebec
Language: English
*France/Serbia/Canada coproduction

Intro to Swimming (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Aram Collier
Production: LaRue Productions Inc.
Distribution: Filmoption International Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English and Chinese (Cantonese)

Labranza (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Andrea Martinez Crowther
Production: Lulo Films Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English, Spanish
*Canada/Mexico coproduction

Los Turistas (The Tourists) (drama)
Directors and screenwriters: Brad Deane and Lina Rodriguez
Production: Rayon Verde Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English, Spanish
*Canada/Colombia coproduction

Phreaker (thriller)
Director and screenwriter: Adam Yorke
Production: Phreaker Motion Picture Corporation
Distribution: Mongrel Media
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Rocket Fuel (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Jessie Posthumus
Production: Edge Entertainment Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English

The Embers and the Stars (science fiction/fantasy/tale)
Director and screenwriter: William Woods
Production: Obvious Allegory Inc.
Distribution: VVS Films
Province: Ontario Language: English

Tides (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Jessica Huras
Production: Nice Picture Inc. and Shut Up & Colour Pictures Inc.
Province: Ontario and Nova Scotia
Language: English

Western

A Hero of Our Time (Man Vs Truck) (comedy)
Director and screenwriter: Ted Stenson
Production: Kino Sum Productions Inc.
Province: Alberta
Language: English

Alien Boy (science fiction/fantasy/tale)
Director and screenwriter: Fawaz Al-Matrouk
Production: Karma Films Inc.
Province: Saskatchewan
Language: English, Arabic

Any Other World (science fiction/fantasy/tale)
Director and screenwriter: Ben Pickles
Production: Any Other World Productions Inc.
Distribution: Photon Films
Province: British Columbia
Language: English

Baby Tooth (mystery/crime/police)
Director and screenwriter: Connor Gaston
Production: Garden Film Studio Ltd. and Studio 104 Entertainment Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Language: English

CAMP (horror)
Director and screenwriter: Avalon Fast
Production: TNodrick Productions Ltd and 16053106 CANADA INC.
Distribution: Filmoption International
Province: Alberta and Quebec
Language: English

Judas Tree (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Susan Bayani
Production: Understory Films Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Language: English, Farsi (Persian)

New Diamond Restaurant (horror)
Director and screenwriter: Milton Ng
Production: Dear Hero Productions Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Language: English, Chinese (Cantonese)

Northern Lights (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Mackenzie Leigh
Production: Heart Shaped Movies Inc.
Province: Manitoba
Language: English

Switchback (thriller)
Director and screenwriter: Melanie Jones
Production: Instilling Entertainment Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Language: English

Telefilm continues to receive a high volume of applications, particularly in Ontario and the Western region, under the Production Program. In the English market, 216 projects were assessed in the low budget stream including international coproductions, representing over $135 million in funding requests. Project submissions were considered by an Advisory Committee, and Telefilm met with all shortlisted teams.

More funding decisions, including projects from the Indigenous stream and the Theatrical Documentary Program will be announced in the coming weeks. Statistics on all films funded in the year will be published in the 2025-2026 Annual Report.

An advisory committee composed of external and internal representatives has evaluated the projects and made its recommendations. The decision-making process is designed to ensure that Telefilm funds a balanced production portfolio reflecting a variety of genres, budgets, company sizes, regions of the country, and perspectives. A list of the selection committee members will be posted on Telefilm’s Project Financing Advisory Committees page once all funding decisions have been made.

#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA ANNOUNCE INCREASED SUPPORT OF ANIMATED FEATURE FILMS

Telefilm Canada, at the Annecy International Animation Film Market (MIFA), proudly announces the launch of a new initiative for the development and export of animated feature films.

Telefilm Canada will establish a special envelope of $420,000 for animated features that will be integrated into the Development Program. This initiative aims to recognize the distinctive nature of animated films and to support their early creative stages, particularly storyboard development. It is part of a broader effort to prioritize animation across Telefilm’s entire continuum – from development to marketing – and to reflect the sustained growth of this sector within the audiovisual industry, both in Canada and abroad.

In collaboration with national and international partners, the initiative will highlight the excellence and creativity of Canadian animation while strengthening its export positioning. Backed by Telefilm’s funding programs, this new approach is designed to encourage business development in the field of animation.

A distinctive process

Creating an animated film is a distinctive process that mobilizes a wealth of resources and expertise from the project’s outset. Consequently, Telefilm will support Canadian producers and creators at a key moment, when the imagination takes shape and the narrative and visual foundations of the film are laid. The aim is not only to nurture artistic vision but also to maximize commercial potential by helping projects attract partners and distributors, especially international players.

Animation: a booming sector

Since 2017, Telefilm invested $36.28M in animation projects. During that time, funding applications for animation have doubled, testifying to the sector’s growing interest and dynamism. In the past seven years, Canadian animated films have ranked ten times among the annual top 15 box-office earners.

Telefilm’s aim is to accelerate the development of high-potential projects, strengthen the competitiveness of Canadian animation, engage more audiences and expand animation’s reach at home and abroad.

“Animation embodies our creativity, our capacity to innovate and bring generations together around powerful stories”, said Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada. “With this initiative, Telefilm is reaffirming its commitment to animation as a national jewel by supporting creators at the earliest stages of the process. It’s also a way of looking to the future, of continuing to seduce, captivate and reach audiences of all generations at home and abroad. And lastly, it’s a strategic investment in a fast-growing sector that generates economic value while showcasing Canadian talent on the world stage.”

#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR 25 MEDIUM TO LARGE SCALE FILM FESTIVALS – JANUARY 2025

Telefilm Canada is supporting 25 additional Canadian film festivals, under the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program (in its second round of decisions). A total of 50 film festivals are supported under this program in fiscal year 2024-2025 with 25 film festivals supported in the first round1. This second intake of the program represents an additional investment of $1.9 million.

Telefilm’s Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program provides financial support to long-established medium to large-scale Canadian film festivals that help promote Canadian films and talent and stimulate demand for our multiscreen content.  

As a partner of choice, Telefilm is committed to advancing the development of the industry and reaching audiences where they are. Through this program, Telefilm supports film festivals across the country and remains committed to foster and support an industry that is representative of all communities in Canada. Further funding decisions will be announced later this year. 

List of all medium to large-scale film festivals supported by Telefilm (starting between April 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025):

2025 Atlantic International Film Festival
2025 Calgary International Film Festival
2025 Calgary Underground Film Festival
2025 CaribbeanTales International Film Festival
2025 Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival
2025 DOXA Documentary Film Festival
2025 Gimli International Film Festival
2025 Hot Docs Festival
2025 ICFF – IncluCity Festival
2025 Images Festival
2025 imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
2025 Inside Out Film Festival
2025 Lunenburg Doc Fest
2025 Ottawa International Animation Festival
2025 Toronto Animation Arts Festival International
2025 Vancouver International Film Festival
2025 Vancouver Queer Film Festival
2025 Yorkton Film Festival
Festival cinéma du monde de Sherbrooke 2025
Festival de cinéma de la Ville de Québec 2025
Festival du film de l’Outaouais 2025
Festival Fantasia 2025
Festival international de cinéma et d’art Les Percéides 2025
Festival international de cinéma Vues d’Afrique 2025
Festival International du Film Black de Montréal 2025

These funding decisions were made as part of the promotion program modernization, which began in 2021 in collaboration with the industry, to allocate funding more efficiently and transparently. As announced in September 2022, the promotion program has been segmented by the type of activity into different funding programs to better meet different needs and to meet clear criteria, and further refinements to the program have been done for this year’s program. For the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program, internal representatives evaluated the applications with the input of external advisors to ensure fair and equitable evaluations.

*One application was initially on hold at the time of the news release, was funded after the announcement of the first round of decisions.

About Telefilm Canada   

As a Partner of Choice, Telefilm Canada is a Crown corporation dedicated to the success of Canada’s audiovisual industry, fostering access and excellence by delivering programs that support cultural resonance and audience engagement. With a lens of equity, inclusivity and sustainability, Telefilm bolsters dynamic companies and a range of creative talent at home and around the world. Telefilm also makes recommendations regarding the certification of audiovisual coproduction treaties to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2012, the Talent Fund raises private donations which principally support emerging talent. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on X and on LinkedIn.   

#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA AND THE TALENT FUND WELCOME 17 NEW TEAMS TO TALENT TO WATCH PROGRAM

Telefilm Canada and the Talent Fund are pleased to welcome 17 new film teams through the Talent to Watch Program with an investment of $3.45 million. The new selection of first-feature films from across the country highlights the dynamic and distinctive storytellers from different regions, markets and communities.

“The Talent to Watch Program continues to be a driving force for discovering the remarkable talent that thrives within our country,” Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada. “This year’s teams represent the voices of both the present and future of Canada, and we are excited to see their bold imagination brought to life in every frame. We are proud to champion the next generation of storytellers as they enrich our creative economy.”

“Through the Talent Fund, we get to empower the next generation of storytellers that shape the stories we see on screen,” Sandi Treliving, Chair of the Talent Fund Advisory Committee. “We’re so thankful to our generous donors – from Vancouver to Regina, Toronto to Halifax – whose steadfast contributions ensure that the Talent Fund can continue its vital mission: investing in the future of Canadian and Indigenous filmmakers.”

Here are the projects selected under the streams of the Talent to Watch Program:

Indigenous Stream

Under this stream, all key members of the creative team must be Indigenous.

Houseboat (science fiction / fantasy)

Director and screenwriter: Jerry Wolf

Producer: Adeline Bird

Province: Ontario

Language: English

Industry Partner Stream

For projects that are recommended by a designated industry partner. 

Danse Laurence! (documentary)

Director and screenwriter: Laura Marroquin-Éthier

Producer: Francesca Rubartelli Barcenas

Province: Quebec

Language: French

Partner organization: National Institute of Image and Sound (INIS)

EXP (drama)

Director: Ted Sakowsky

Screenwriter: Ed Sakowsky

Producers:  Momo Daud and Katarzyna Anielak

Executive Producer: Joseph Sindaha

Province: Ontario

Language: English

Partner organization: York University

Meat (science fiction/fantasy)

Director: Ryan Steel

Screenwriters: Ryan Steel and Sean Henderson

Producer: Sean Maheux Galway

Province: Manitoba

Language: English

Partner organization: Winnipeg Film Group

Festival Selection Stream

For emerging filmmakers who have directed a short film that was selected at a recognized film festival. 

Hair Or No Hair (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Janessa St. Pierre

Producer: Mariam Barry

Province: British Columbia

Language: English

Hue & Cry (drama-comedy)

Director and screenwriter: Maziyar Khatam

Producers: Tyler Mason and Anya Chirkova

Executive Producer: Guy Maddin

Province: Ontario

Language: English

Filmmaker Apply-Direct Stream

Under this stream, all key members of the creative team must be Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, women, gender-diverse individuals, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities; and/or members of an Official Language Minority Community.

Alice (documentary)

Director and screenwriter: Mélissa Savoie-Soulières

Producer: Sophie Gagnon-Bergeron

Province: Quebec

Language: French

Cette Terre m’appellera Maître (documentary)

Director, screenwriter and producer: Katia Café-Fébrissy

Executive Producer: Alexandrine Torres de Figueiredo

Province: Ontario

Language: French and Creole

Civilian (documentary)

Director and producer: Raya Hamdan

Screenwriters: Mazin Almusharaf and Raya Hamdan

Province: Ontario

Language: English and Sudanese Arabic

External Neighbours (science fiction/fantasy)

Director and screenwriter: Anna Maguire

Producers: Erin Carter and Anna Maguire

Executive Producers: Anaëlle Béglet, Jeanne-Marie Poulain – Art et essai

Province: Ontario

Language: English

Fios da Terra (documentary)

Director and screenwriter: Kayla Fragman

Producer: Amélie Tremblay

Executive Producer: Dominique Dussault

Province: Quebec

Language: Portuguese (Azorean dialect), French and English

Homewrecker (drama)

Director: Simon Paluck

Screenwriter: Caleb Harwood

Producer: Graeme D. Blyth

Province: Ontario

Language: English

Les Priants (documentary)

Director and screenwriter: Martine Gignac

Producer: Evelyne Lafleur Guy

Province: Quebec

Language: French

MARCHEUSES (documentary)

Director and screenwriter: Carlos Cortés

Producers: Hippolyte de Chanlaire and Nathalie Guérard

Province: Quebec

Language: French, English and Algonquin

Puddy Tat (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Kaytlyn Turner

Producers: Kyla Ferrier and Kevin Dong

Province: Alberta

Language: English

Requiem For A Sad Girl (thriller)

Director and screenwriter: Maude Michaud

Producers: Jen Viens and Maude Michaud

Executive Producer: Philip Kalin-Hadju

Province: Quebec

Language: English

Uninvited (documentary)

Director and screenwriter: Rose Katché

Producer: Mérédith Gonzalez-Bayard

Province: Quebec

Language: French and English

Telefilm received a high volume of applications under the Talent to Watch Program for the fiscal year 2024-2025, with 150 projects assessed representing nearly $35 million in funding requests.

Statistics on all films funded in the year will be released once all funding decisions have been made.

An advisory committee of external and internal representatives assessed the projects and made recommendations to Telefilm. The decision-making process considered Telefilm’s goal of fostering a diversity of voices in the industry, ensuring that Telefilm funds a balanced portfolio of productions that reflect a variety of genres, budgets and company sizes, regions of the country and points of view. Names of selection committee members will be published on the Project Financing Advisory Committees webpage once all funding decisions have been made.     

Quotes from past Talent to Watch recipients:

Receiving anchor financing from the Talent Fund for my debut feature film, In Flames – was absolutely transformational. The fund recognizes the challenges faced by early-stage creators, and empowers them to take risks on projects that might otherwise never see the light of day. In Flames went on to be the first film from the Talent Fund to be selected at Cannes, and later won the Canadian Screen Award for Best First Feature. This journey began with the Talent Fund believing in the film, and I hope will continue to be the place for generations to come – where the first spark for Canadian filmmakers is ignited! – Zarrar Kahn

Being a Talent to Watch recipient has easily been the most significant leap forward in my filmmaking journey. The Talent Fund funding my first feature film DO I KNOW YOU FROM SOMEWHERE? allowed me to make a film I’m incredibly proud of, but also allowed me to create something that has opened doors for me in this industry. I’m so excited for what the future holds and Talent to Watch has been a crucial first step in what I hope to be a long and accomplished career. – Arianna Martinez

The Talent Fund has helped me considerably in moving to the next level of my career; it has also strengthened my voice and shown my abilities as a director. – Jason Karman

About Telefilm Canada   

As a Partner of Choice, Telefilm Canada is a Crown corporation dedicated to the success of Canada’s audiovisual industry, fostering access and excellence by delivering programs that support cultural resonance and audience engagement. With a lens of equity, inclusivity and sustainability, Telefilm bolsters dynamic companies and a range of creative talent at home and around the world. Telefilm also makes recommendations regarding the certification of audiovisual coproduction treaties to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2012, the Talent Fund raises private donations which principally support emerging talent. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Telefilm_Canada and on Facebook at facebook.com/telefilmcanada.   

About the Talent Fund  

The Talent Fund is a national donation initiative dedicated to the impact and longevity of first-time filmmakers’ careers from across Canada. Igniting career paths in cinema, the Talent Fund invests in emerging talent and provides support to build their professional portfolios, fosters community and knowledge-sharing through professional mentorship, and prioritizes emerging creators from historically underrepresented communities. Funds raised are invested in Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch program – a career accelerator and launchpad – which helps the next generation of storytellers contribute to a thriving Canadian film industry. Since 2012, the Fund has supported over 199 film projects, brought to life by more than 400 emerging artists (writers, producers, and directors) and has financed films that have earned over 200 awards worldwide. Individual donors, family foundations, corporations and sponsors invest in the Talent Fund as they believe in the power of storytelling through film, and the impact this program has on the careers of emerging artists. To learn more about the Talent Fund or to make a donation, visit thetalentfund.ca   

#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA COMMITS TO FUNDING FIVE ENGLISH MARKET FILMS – AUGUST 2024

Telefilm Canada commits to funding five projects in the English market under the Production Program, as part of the second round of decisions in the big budget stream including coproductions, for a total of $4.8 million.

The first round of decisions under the same stream announced its investment in 13 big-budget projects from the English market.

Fairyheart (animation/fantasy)

Director: Anita Doron

Screenwriters: Attila Gigor and Anita Doron

Production: Storyteller Pictures Inc.

Distribution: Vortex Media

Province: Ontario

Language: English

*Hungary/Germany/Canada coproduction

Legends of Conquest (family/adventure)

Director: Dylan Pearce

Screenwriters: Dylan Pearce and Marcus Rosner

Production: Northern Gateways Films Inc.

Distribution: Elevation Pictures

Province: Alberta

Language: English

Telephone (science fiction)

Director: Anthony Scott Burns

Screenwriters: Anthony Scott Burns, Jack Stanley, and Álex & David Pastor

Production: Jobro Productions Inc.

Distribution: Elevation Pictures

Province: Ontario

Language: English

*Canada/Belgium coproduction

The Eden Express (psychological drama)

Director: Daniel Cockburn

Screenwriters: Daniel Cockburn and James Schultz

Production: Scythia Films Inc.

Distribution: Mongrel Media

Province: Ontario

Language: English

*Canada/Scotland coproduction

The First Dinosaur (family/adventure)

Director: J.J. Johnson

Screenwriters: Joan Digba, J.J. Johnson and Christin Simms

Production: Sinking Ship Entertainment Inc.

Distribution: Sinking Ship

Province: Ontario

Language: English

Telefilm received a high volume of applications under the Production Program this year. From this second intake, 20 projects were assessed from the English market representing over $33.1 million in funding requests.

More funding decisions, including projects from the Talent to Watch Program, will be announced in the coming weeks. Statistics on all films funded in the year will be released once all funding decisions have been made.     

An advisory committee of external and internal representatives assessed the projects and made recommendations to Telefilm. The decision-making process considered Telefilm’s goal of fostering a diversity of voices in the industry, ensuring that Telefilm funds a balanced portfolio of productions that reflect a variety of genres, budgets and company sizes, regions of the country and points of view. Names of selection committee members will be published on the Project Financing Advisory Committees webpage  once all funding decisions have been made.    

#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA ANNOUNCE COMMITMENT TO FUND FRENCH AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE DOCUMENTARIES – AUGUST 2024

Telefilm Canada is announcing its funding commitment of $4.9 million to 21 feature-length documentaries, six titles from the French market and 15 titles from the English market, under the Theatrical Documentary Program.

Atlantic

Chasing Light
Director and Screenwriter: Latonia Hartery
Production: LJH Films Inc.
Province: Newfoundland / Labrador
Language: English

Quebec

Back Home
Director and Screenwriter: Marianne Métivier
Production: Metafilms Inc.

Distributor: Studio h264 Inc.
Province: Quebec
Languages: Tagalog, IIocano, Ilonggo and Bicolano

Cut Print Thank You Bye
Director and Screenwriter: Marie-Julie Dallaire
Production: Item 7 Inc.

Distributor: Immina Films
Province: Quebec
Languages: French and English

Esprits rebelles

Director and Screenwriter: Marlene Edoyan
Production: Fauve Film inc.

Distributor: Les Films du 3 Mars
Province: Quebec
Languages: Armenian and Georgian

In Praise of Invasive Species
Director: Mila Aung-Thwin

Screenwriters: Mila Aung-Thwin and Samantha Neboschizkij
Production: EyeSteelFilm Inc.

Distributor: EyeSteelFilm Distribution Inc.
Province: Quebec
Languages: English, Spanish, Afrikaans and Swahili

La méthode scandinave
Director and Screenwriter: Anik Salas
Production: 9097-4767 Quebec Inc.

Distributor: Les Films du 3 Mars
Province: Quebec
Languages: French, English, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish

La vie extraordinaire de Robert Charlebois
Director and Screenwriter: Louis-Philippe Héneault
Production: Les Films La Tribu Inc.

Distributor: Distribution La Tribu Inc.
Province: Quebec
Language: French

Le dernier acte
Director and Screenwriter: Sophie Deraspe
Production: Corporation ACPAV Inc.

Distributor: Maison 4:3 Inc.
Province: Quebec
Language: French

The Prophet of Ecstasy
Directors: Elias Varoutsos and Karen Cho

Screenwriters: Karen Cho, Lori Braun and Charles Beaudette
Production: 9337-7190 Quebec Inc.

Distributor: Raven Banner Distribution
Province: Quebec
Language: English

Ontario

Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions
Director and Screenwriter: Michelle Mama
Production: Anti-Diva Inc.

Distributor: Motion 58 Entertainment
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Captain Newfoundland: The Geoff Stirling Story
Directors: Mike Feehan and Jamie Miller

Screenwriter: Jono Hunter
Production: 86 Media House Inc.

Distributor: Elevation Pictures
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Feedback: Music for the Climate Emergency
Directors: Nicholas de Pencier and Jennifer Baichwal

Screenwriter: Jennifer Baichwal
Production: Mercury Films Inc. and Carousel Pictures Inc.

Distributor: Elevation Pictures
Province: Ontario
Language: English

From Solitary
Director and Screenwriter: Joel Walinga
Production: Soft Studio Productions Inc., Arbitrage Pictures Inc. and Isserley Films Inc.

Distributor: Game Theory Films
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Seeing Green
Director and Screenwriter: Su Rynard
Production: HitPlay Productions Inc.

Distributor: Game Theory Films
Province: Ontario
Languages: English and Spanish

The Acid Rain Movie (working title)
Director: Victoria Lean

Screenwriters: Sean Devlin and Victoria Lean
Production: Muse Entertainment (Ontario) Inc. and 2429014 Ontario Inc.

Distributor: Mongrel Media
Province: Ontario
Language: English

The End of the Internet
Director and Screenwriter: Dylan Reibling
Production: Dylan Reibling Productions Inc.
Province: Ontario
Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese

The Sandbox
Director and Screenwriter: Jade-Kenya Pinto
Production: 1000543880 Ontario Inc.

Distributor: EyeSteelFilm Distribution Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Your Tomorrow
Director and Screenwriter: Ali Weinstein
Production: OP8 Productions Inc. and Big Cedar Films Inc.

Distributor: Blue Ice Docs Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Western Region

Fairy Creek
Director and Screenwriter: Jen Muranetz
Production: Understory Films Inc.

Distributor: Cinema Politica
Province: British Columbia
Language: English

Relax, Open Your Eyes
Director and Screenwriter: David Ehrenreich
Production: Grand Scheme Productions Inc.

Distributor: Game Theory Films
Province: British Columbia
Language: English

The Island
Directors: Steve Adams and Sean Horlor

Screenwriter: Jennifer Baynham
Production: Studio BRB Productions Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Language: English

Telefilm received an increasingly high volume of applications under the Theatrical Documentary Program this year. 122 projects were assessed in both the English and French markets, representing over $27.1 million in funding requests. With changes to the program guidelines expanding eligibility, Telefilm received an increase of 31.5% in applications from the English market compared to the previous fiscal year.

More funding decisions, including projects from the second intake of the big budget stream in the English market, will be announced shortly. Statistics on all films funded in the year will be released once all funding decisions have been made.

An advisory committee of external and internal representatives assessed the projects and made recommendations to Telefilm. The decision-making process considered Telefilm’s goal of fostering a diversity of voices in the industry, ensuring that Telefilm funds a balanced portfolio of productions that reflect a variety of genres, budgets and company sizes, regions of the country and points of view. Names of selection committee members will be published on the Project Financing Advisory Committees webpage once all funding decisions have been made.