Telefilm
#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
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.
#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA ANNOUNCE INVESTMENT IN 26 ENGLISH MARKET PRODUCTIONS – JUNE 2024
Telefilm Canada is announcing its investment of $14.1 million in 26 feature film projects in the English market under the Production Program in the low budget stream (including international coproductions).
Atlantic
Baby
Director and screenwriter: Jackie Torrens
Production: Peep Media Inc.
Province: Nova Scotia
Language: English
Blueberry Picking
Director and screenwriter: Sherry White
Production: Oversherry Productions Ltd.
Province: Newfoundland and Labrador
Language: English
The Shuttle
Director and screenwriter: Winston DeGiobbi
Production: Brass Door Productions Inc.
Province: Nova Scotia
Language: English
Quebec
Donde Comienza el Río (Where the River Begins)
Director and screenwriter: Juan Andrés Arango
Production: Midi La Nuit Inc. and Inercia Películas
Languages: Spanish (Colombian) and Emberá, Indigenous dialect
*Majority Coproduction Canada/Colombia
Moving Day
Directors: Caitlyn Sponheimer, Tamara Scherbak, Carol Nguyen, Kaye Adelaide, Jill Carter and Kim Barr
Screenwriters: Diane Janna, Tamara Scherbak, M.J. Kang, Kathy-Ann Thomas, Deydra Baptiste, Katrina Bertrand and Alex Feldman
Production: Cotton Bush Productions Inc.
Languages: English and French
Red Acres
Directors and screenwriters: Chris Bavota and Lee Paula Springer
Production: Slykid Inc.
Language: English
Ontario
Deathstalker
Director and screenwriter: Steven Kostanski
Production: Hangar 18 Media Inc.
Language: English
Homebodies
Director: Casey Walker
Screenwriters: Adrian Murray and Marcus Sullivan
Production: Cave Painting Pictures Inc.
Language: English
I Come Home
Director: Glen Wood
Screenwriter: Andreas Vatiliotou
Production: Viddywell Films Inc.
Language: English
Lunar Sway
Director and screenwriter: Nicholas Butler
Production: Cloudy Falls Pictures Inc.
Language: English
Morningside
Director: Ron Dias
Screenwriters: Joanne Jansen and Ron Dias
Production: Augusta Avenue Productions Inc.
Language: English
Nuur
Director: Lula Ali Ismail
Screenwriter: Hassan Ghedi Santur
Production: Good Question Media Inc.
Languages: English and Somali
Pocket Mirror
Director and screenwriter: Adrian Murray
Production: Ravenea Pictures Inc. and Silent Tower Inc.
Language: English
The Temple
Directors and screenwriters: Calvin Thomas and Yonah Lewis
Production: Babe Nation Creations Inc. and Lisa Pictures Ltd.
Language: English
They Echo
Director and screenwriter: Lu Asfaha
Production: Snail Mail Media Inc. and Defar Media Inc.
Languages: English and Swahili
UGLY
Director and screenwriter: Ed Gass-Donnelly
Production: 3 Legged Dog Films Ltd.
Language: English
Western Region
Grand Prairie
Director: Evan Prosofsky
Screenwriters: Evan Prosofsky and Chandra Melting Tallow
Production: Grand Prairie Film Inc.
Province: Alberta
Languages: English, Blackfoot (Siksika First Nation) and Carinthian German (Hutterite Colony)
Hair of the Bear
Directors and screenwriters: Alexandre Trudeau and James McLellan
Production: Hair of The Bear Films Inc. and HOTB Quebec Productions Inc.
Provinces: Manitoba and Quebec
Languages: English and French
One Perfect Date
Director and screenwriter: Lucas Frison
Production: Prairie Cat Productions Inc. and Megafun Productions Inc.
Provinces: Saskatchewan and Quebec
Language: English
Split Rock
Director and screenwriter: Ryan Glover
Production: Prowler Pictures Inc., Low End Inc. and Observer Effect Productions Inc.
Provinces: Saskatchewan and Ontario
Language: English
Stranger in Town
Director: Melanie Oates
Screenwriter: Patrick Whistler
Production: Goodbye Productions Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Language: English
The Bryce Lee Story
Director: Arnold Lim
Screenwriters: Connor Gaston, Arnold Lim and Kyle D’Odorico
Production: Blue Lake Films Ltd.
Province: British Columbia
Languages: English and Chinese – Cantonese
Minority Coproductions
Birthday
Director and screenwriter: Lara Zeidan
Production: Couronne Nord Inc. and Sevana Films
Province: Quebec
Languages: Arabic, English and French
*Minority Coproduction Canada/France
Idling
Director: Theodore Ushev
Screenwriter: Chris Robinson
Production: 9468-2713 Québec Inc. and PREMIER STUDIO
Province: Quebec
Language: English
*Minority Coproduction Canada/Bulgaria
Tahmina
Director and screenwriter: Aboozar Amini
Production: Greenground Productions Inc. and Silkroad Film Salon
Province: Quebec
Language: Persian
*Minority Coproduction Canada/Netherlands
Terra (Khak)
Director: Raha Shirazi
Screenwriters: Giovanna Giuliani and Raha Shirazi
Production: Borrowed Light Films Inc., Aeternam Films and Doppio Nodo Double Bind
Province: Ontario
Language: English
*Minority Coproduction Canada/France/Italy
Telefilm received an increasingly high volume of applications under the Production Program this year. In this first intake, 187 projects were assessed in the low budget stream including international coproductions, representing over $106 million in funding requests.
More funding decisions, including projects from the low budget Indigenous Stream 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 SUPPORT OF MEDIUM-TO-LARGE SCALE FILM FESTIVALS – MAY 2024
Telefilm Canada is supporting 24 film festivals, under the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program (first round of decisions), for a funding total of $1.3 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
equity, diversity, and inclusion 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 October 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025):
·2024 Devour! The Food Film Fest
·2024 Forest City Film Festival
·2024 IFFSA Toronto
·2024 image+nation. festival
·2024 Reelworld Film Festival
·2024 St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival
·2024 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
·2024 Vancouver Asian Film Festival
·2024 Whistler Film Festival
·2024 Windsor International Film Festival
·2025 Available Light Film Festival
·2025 Halifax Black Film Festival
·2025 Kingston Canadian Film Festival
·2025 Toronto Black Film Festival
·2025 Victoria Film Festival
·Carrousel International du Film de Rimouski 2025
·Festival de films francophones CINEMANIA 2024
·Festival du cinéma international en Abitibi-Témiscamingue 2024
·Festival international du cinéma francophone en Acadie 2024
·Festival international du film pour enfants de Montréal 2025
·Festival International du Film sur l’Art 2025
·Festival REGARD 2025
·Les Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma 2025
·Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montréal 2024
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.
#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA ANNOUNCE 22 PROJECTS IN FRENCH MARKET TO RECEIVE FINANCING in 2024
Telefilm Canada announces 22 projects in the French market receiving financing under the Production Program, representing a total financial commitment of $21.6 million.
Petite Rose (drama)
Screenwriter and director: Geneviève Dulude-DeCelles
Production: Colonelle films inc.
Distribution: Entract Films
*Canada/Belgium/Bulgaria co-production
Violences (drama)
Screenwriter and director: Luc Picard
Production: Christal Films Productions Inc.
Distribution: Les Films Opale
Menteuse (comedy)
Screenwriters: Éric K. Boulianne, Émile Gaudreault and Sébastien Savary
Director: Émile Gaudreault
Production: Amalga Créations Médias Inc.
Distribution: Immina Films
Fanny Cloutier (action/adventure)
Screenwriter: Stéphanie Lapointe
Director: Yan England
Production: Téléfiction Productions Inc.
Distribution: Téléfiction Distribution & Marketing
Furies (comedy)
Screenwriter: Gabrielle Côté
Director: Mélanie Charbonneau
Production: Echo Media Inc.
Distribution: Immina Films
L’habit du Héros (drama)
Screenwriter: Michel Marc Bouchard
Director: Léa Pool
Production: Lyla Films Inc.
Distribution: Les Films Opale
*Canada/Luxembourg co-production
Les Bottanïx (comedy)
Screenwriters: Marie-France Landry and Anastasia Michailidis
Director: Benoit Godbout
Production: Productions Carpediem (CHAOS) Inc.
Distribution: Maison 4:3
*Coproduction Canada/Spain/Belgium
Éléo et Nova (science fiction / fantasy / storytelling)
Screenwriter and director: Jérémy Comte
Production: Max Films Inc.
Distribution: Les Films Opale
Adam (comedy)
Screenwriter and director: Anne Émond
Production: Metafilms Inc.
Distribution: Immina Films
Où vont les âmes (drama)
Screenwriter and director: Brigitte Poupart
Production: Bravo Charlie Inc.
Distribution: Axia Films
Au revoir pluton (musical)
Screenwriter and director: Sarianne Cormier
Production: Voyelles Films Productions Inc.
Distribution: Maison 4:3
Paquet de trouble (drama)
Screenwriter and director: Myriam Guimond
Production: Pourquoi Production inc.
Distribution: K Films Amérique
Une splendeur de vivre (drama)
Screenwriter and director: Marianne Métivier
Production: Le Foyer Films Inc.
Distribution: Studios H264 inc.
*Coproduction Canada/France/Philippines
The Shiatsung Project (science fiction/fantasy/tale)
Screenwriter: Brigitte Archambault
Directors: Eva Cvijanovic and Brigitte Archambault
Production: 9286-4883 Québec (F.A.S. L’embuscade Films)
Distribution: NFB
Labrador or the Anatomy of Silence (drama)
Screenwriter and director: Rodrigue Jean
Production: Transmar Films Inc.
Distribution: Studios H264 inc.
Pétrole (drama)
Screenwriters: Frédérick Pelletier and Simon Lavoie
Director: Frédérick Pelletier
Production: Corporation de développement et de production ACPAV Inc.
Distribution: Maison 4:3
La professeure (comedy)
Screenwriters: Judith Brès and Eva Kabuya
Director: Eva Kabuya
Production: Metafilms Inc.
Distribution: VVS
Le trésor des héritiers (comedy)
Screenwriter and director: Phil Comeau
Production: 701275 NB Ltée
Distribution: Maison 4:3
Comme si de rien n’était (drama)
Screenwriter and director: Samer Najari
Production: Productions Karaman inc.
Distribution: K-Films Amérique
Denise sans Denis (comedy)
Screenwriter: Paul Ruban
Director: Guillaume Lambert
Production: Wookey Films Inc. & Chasseurs Films Inc.
Distribution: Entract Films
Melvile (drama)
Screenwriters: Olivier Tollet, Romain Renard and Anne-Laure Guégan
Directors: Romain Renard and Fursy Teyssier
Production: Productions l’unité centrale Inc
Distribution: Maison 4:3
*Belgium/France/Canada co-production
Immortelles (drama)
Screenwriters: Victoria Kaario and Caroline Deruas
Director: Caroline Deruas
Production: Possibles Média Inc.
Distribution: K-FILMS AMÉRIQUE
*France/Canada co-production
Telefilm received an increasingly high volume of applications under the Production Program this year. A total of 89 applications were considered by the Advisory Committees representing approximately $129.5 million in funding requests.
More funding decisions, including projects from the English market, 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 ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR 25 MEDIUM to LARGE-SCALE FESTIVALS
Telefilm Canada is supporting 25 film festivals, under the new Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program (first round of decisions), for a funding total of $1.7 million.
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, 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. 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. Further funding decisions will be announced later this year.
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 equity, diversity, and inclusion 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 October 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024):
2024 Available Light Film Festival
Carrousel international du film de Rimouski 2024
2023 Devour! The Food Film Fest
Festival de films francophones CINEMANIA 2023
Festival du cinéma international en Abitibi-Témiscamingue 2023
Festival du film de l’Outaouais 2024
Festival du nouveau cinéma 2023
Festival international du cinéma francophone en Acadie 2023
Festival international du film pour enfants de Montréal 2024
Festival International du Film sur l’Art 2024
Festival REGARD 2024
2023 Forest City Film Festival
2024 Halifax Black Film Festival
2023 image+nation. festival film LGBT2SQ+ Montréal
2023 imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
2024 Kingston Canadian Film Festival
Les Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma 2024
2023 Reelworld Film Festival
Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montréal 2023
2023 St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival
2024 Toronto Black Film Festival
2023 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
2023 Vancouver Asian Film Festival
2024 Victoria Film Festival
2023 Whistler Film Festival
#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANDA ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR 21 NEW FILMS
With a funding commitment of $12.8 million, Telefilm Canada today have announced the support of 21 upcoming English and other language films. After 300 applications were considered, these are the Films to be part of the commitment in their objective of a balanced portfolio, representing diverse voices.
Akashi (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Mayumi Yoshida
Production: Musubi Arts Inc. and Experimental Forest Films Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Languages: Japanese and English
Aversion (horror)
Director and screenwriter: Thom Fitzgerald
Production: Emotion Pictures Incorporated
Province: Nova Scotia
Language: English
Backspot (drama)
Director: D.W. Waterson
Screenwriter: Joanne Sarazen
Production: Plausible Communications Corporation
Province: Ontario
Language: English
The Bearded Girl (science fiction/fantasy/tale)
Director and screenwriter: Jody Wilson
Production: Goodbye Productions Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Languages: English
Best Boy (thriller)
Director and screenwriter: Jesse Noah Klein
Production:
9342-2947 QUÉBEC INC.
Province: Quebec
Language: English
Drive Back Home (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Michael Clowater
Production: Woods Entertainment Canada Inc. and Mason Films Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English
The Invisibles (drama)
Director: Andrew Currie
Screenwriters: Andrew Currie and Colin Aussant
Production: Quadrant Motion Pictures
Province: Ontario
Language: English
La Estrella al Lado de la Luna
(historical drama)
Director and screenwriter: Andrea Alvarez
Production: Studio 104 Entertainment Inc. (Canada) and Imaginer Films (Colombia)
Province: British Columbia
Languages: Spanish Castillian and English
Loya (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Sibel Guvenc
Co-production: Kybele Films Inc. and Cedar Island Films Inc. (Canada) and Tradewind Pictures (Germany)
Provinces: Ontario and British Columbia
Languages: English and Turkish
Monica’s News (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Pamela Gallant
Production: Picture Plant Limited
Province: Nova Scotia
Language: English
Motherhood (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Meryam Joobeur
Co-production: Leona Films Inc. (Canada) and Tanit Films (France)
Province: Quebec
Languages: Arabic
The Music Box (science fiction/fantasy/tale)
Director: Jay Dahl
Screenwriters: Jay Dahl, Kristin Langille
Production: Black Dog Films Inc. and Connections Productions Inc.
Province: Nova Scotia
Language: English
Paying For It (romantic comedy)
Director: Sook-Yin Lee
Screenwriters: Sook-Yin Lee and Joanne Sarazen
Production: Wildling Pictures Inc. and Hawkeye Pictures Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English
Replacer (horror)
Director: Randall Okita
Screenwriter: Zac Thompson
Production: Play Management Media Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English
Re: Uniting (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Laura Adkin
Production: Re Uniting Productions Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Language: English
Sacred Creatures (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Frieda Luk
Production: Frirange Films Inc. (Canada) and Doppio Nodo Double Bind (Italy)
Province: British Columbia
Languages: English and Italian
Shook (drama)
Director: Amar Wala
Screenwriters: Amar Wala and Adnan Khan
Production: Scarborough Pictures Inc. and Film Forge Productions Inc.
Province: Ontario
Languages: English and Hindi
Sweet Angel Baby (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Melanie Oates
Production: Relatable Films Inc.
Province: Newfoundland and Labrador
Language: English
There, There (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Heather Young
Production: Houseplant Films Inc. and Brass Door Productions Inc.
Province: Nova Scotia
Language: English
This Too Shall Pass
(drama)
Director and screenwriter: Rob Grant
Production: Peterson Polaris Corp.
Province: Alberta
Language: English
Une langue universelle (comedy)
Director and screenwriter: Matthew Rankin
Production: Metafilms Inc.
Province: Quebec
Language: Persian, French and English
#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA ANNOUNCES FUNDING OF SIX NEW INDIGENOUS PROJECTS
Telefilm Canada have just announced the green-lighting of six Indigenous films through their Indigenous Stream, under the Theatrical Documentary Program and the Production Program, for a total commitment of over $3 million.
Titles are as follows:
Angela’s Shadow (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Jules Koostachin
Production company: AaSheNii Productions Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Anicinabe Park 1974 (documentary)
Director: Shane Belcourt, Tanya Talaga
Screenwriter: Jordan Wheeler
Production company: Makwa Creative Inc.
Province: Ontario
Nechako (documentary)
Director and screenwriter: Lyana Patrick
Production company: Nechako Films Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Pow Wow Summer (family drama/comedy)
Director and screenwriter: Darrell Dennis
Production Company: Orca Cove Media Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Seeds (drama/comedy)
Director and screenwriter: Kaniehtiio Horn
Production company: Kaniehtiio Horn-Batt Entertainment Inc. & New Real Film Inc.
Province: Ontario
Stoney Nakoda Film Project (documentary)
Director and screenwriter: Cody Lefthand
Production company: Stoney Film Project Ltd.
Province: Alberta
More on Telefilm Canada‘s Indigenous initiatives here.
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