International Promotion Program

Who can apply

Canadian companies specializing in the production, distribution, and sales of Canadian short and feature length films (drama or documentary) or coproductions officially selected at an international festival recognized by the program.

Overview of the program

Participation in international festivals abroad creates significant visibility for Canadian films by giving them access to sources of investment and additional distribution and marketing initiatives. 

This program complements the pool of our services and initiatives that aim at improving the international market preparedness of producers and distributors. 

The Festivals and Markets section details all available services and promotional initiatives offered by Telefilm Canada for markets abroad.

Overview of eligibility requirements

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• be specialized in the production, distribution, and sales of an eligible project
• be a Canadian-owned under the Investment Canada Act and controlled company and have its head office in Canada

All projects must meet the following criteria:

• must be a Canadian coproduction or feature length film, made available in French, English or in an Indigenous language, intended for theatrical release in Canada, and selected at one of the international film festivals listed in the annexes of the guidelines 

OR

• be a Canadian short film under 30 minutes of duration, made available in French, English or in an Indigenous language, and selected for a world or international premiere at one of the festivals listed in the annexes of the guidelines 

In keeping with the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories, urging all Canadians to avoid non-essential travel, Telefilm, the travel expenses remain excluded from eligible costs until further notice.  

Telefilm unequivocally recommends to applicants that any travel outside of Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic period must comply with any advice or directive issued by the Government of Canada, including the advice as of today’s date to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada. 

Please consult the guidelines below for specific eligibility requirements.