Telefilm Canada releases its 2017-2018 annual report

Montréal, January 10, 2019 — Telefilm Canada is today releasing its latest annual report, which, among other things, spotlights Canadian success stories on the international stage.

The report is available online.

• Audiences in Canada, Germany and the United States discovered a large selection of Canadian films through the RENDEZ-VOUS CANADA promotional boutique on iTunes. The initiative generated more than 350,000 views of Canadian films.
• The Encore+ YouTube channel, a Telefilm-supported initiative of the Canada Media Fund, offered access to thousands of hours of Canadian film and TV content.
• Via Rail Canada became a major partner, its on-train entertainment system attracting 150,000 views of Canadian films.
• The Birks Diamond Tribute in honour of the year’s women in film shined bright at TIFF, once again.
• In partnership with the industry, Movie Nights Across Canada drew 10,000 movie-lovers in person and reached 9 million fans via social media.
• In one year, seven Canadian projects drew the attention of Eurimages, the European Cinema Support Fund, providing their producers with access to a total of 2.2 million euros in funding.
• Telefilm supported industry participation in 39 international events. Canadian films were selected in 68 festivals around the world, winning 20 awards.
• Canada was the Country of Honour in Goa, India, in Guanajuato, Mexico, and in Berlin.
• The Canada Now series of arthouse screenings were held in several U.S. cities as well as in Mexico, China and the United Kingdom.
• Telefilm supported the production of 141 feature films and the development of 348 projects. The organization recommended for official certification more than 50 coproduction projects with 20 countries.
• The Success Index, which objectively measures the Canadian and international performance of films in Telefilm’s portfolio, rose by 13% during the year, due to a marked jump in domestic box-office results and an increase in private and foreign contributions for the funding of feature films.
• Telefilm increased its support to Indigenous projects to $5 million.
• The Talent to Watch Program was expanded and will now aim to support 50 first feature films and narrative web series each year.
• Greater diversity: 44% of new feature films supported this fiscal year were directed by women, 46% were written by women, and 48% were produced by women.
• Telefilm’s management expense ratio was once again under 6% this year.
• According to the 2017 Nielsen Canadian Audience Report, Canadians agree that Telefilm Canada plays an important role. More than 75% of survey respondents said it is important for the government to support distinctly Canadian productions and that Canadian talent should be promoted. These respondents also said they are proud when Canadian creators are praised abroad.