TORONTO, ON – On April 27, Telefilm Canada launched a new program aimed at increasing exposure for Canadian films.  According to Telefilm, the Theatrical Exhibition Program aims to “amplify the visibility and access to Canadian productions by encouraging and rewarding commercial exhibitors that present Canadian films.”

The program, which is open only to Canadian exhibitors, offers an annual incentive of up to $15,000, per exhibitor, for screening homegrown movies. The amount of funding is tied to the number of eligible Canadian films screened by a commercial exhibitor in the previous year.

Canada has always produced quality films but with the smaller budgets typical in the domestic industry, there is usually little left over for promotion. Telefilm’s new program may help to address the problem of getting more Canadians to see many of these great, Canadian films.  

“The IATSE congratulates Telefilm for launching a program to help increase audiences for homegrown talent,” said Director of Canadian Affairs John Lewis.  “The Theatrical Exhibition Program also dovetails with the Ministry of Heritage’s own goal to promote Canadian creativity.  We would therefore hope that the Ministry will take this into consideration when determining Telefilm funding, so that Telefilm funds may not need to be diverted from any other of its valuable programs.”