Telefilm Canada today announced its goal to build, by 2020, a representative and diversified feature film portfolio that better reflects Canada’s population. With a focus on how it can enhance existing diversity initiatives, Telefilm has set for itself the following objective: By 2020, have a representative and diversified feature film portfolio that better reflects gender, diversity and Canada’s Indigenous communities.
Created in 1967, Telefilm is dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry. Reporting to Canada’s federal government through the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Telefilm Canada administers the Canadian government’s coproductions, enabling Canadian filmmakers and their international counterparts to coproduce films and television programs that enjoy the status of national productions in each of the respective countries. Headquartered in Montreal, Telefilm provides services to the Canadian audiovisual industry with four regional offices in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax.
“Building a portfolio that better reflects Canadian society is a priority for us,” said Carolle Brabant, Telefilm’s Executive Director. “I’m very pleased to see that the industry is committed to change. Establishing a working group with the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and the Association québécoise de la production médiatique (AQPM) will help us develop lasting and impactful solutions.”
Reynolds Mastin, President and CEO, CMPA, added: “When Canadian films are at their best, they reflect the rich experience and perspectives of the people who make up our diverse nation. Today’s announcement in an important step in the right direction, and we look forward to working with our partners to make this vision a reality.”
Hélène Messier, President and CEO, AQPM, further added: “The AQPM is pleased to partner in this new initiative to ensure that film production takes more into account the diversity of our society. By better addressing the fundamental issue of representation we can enrich Canada’s cultural offering.”
Telefilm has partnered with the industry to support representation and diversity in Canadian cinema, in terms of promotion; professional development; and research.
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