Telefilm Canada Partners with IFP to Support Canadian Producers in Building International Networks
Montreal, Quebec, September 4, 2009 – Telefilm Canada, a long-time partner of The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP), is announcing its participation at the upcoming Independent Film Week in New York City, held from September 19 to 24. As a Presenting Partner of the No Borders International Co-Production Market, Telefilm will be showcasing three market-ready Canadian scripts. The organization will also host the Perspective Canada Showreel Screenings, where a selection of Canadian films at the post-production stage will be presented to international film industry professionals.
The only section open to international productions at the IFP Market, the No Borders International Co-production Market allows 25 film teams from Canada and around the world to submit their project to selected buyers, potential investors and production partners attending Independent Film Week. Out of eight projects in development submitted by Telefilm, IFP selected three scripts: MONKEY BEACH, producer: Raj Uppal (Mama-oo Pictures, Vancouver), director: Loretta Todd; SEA WITCHES, producers: Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, Peter Meyboom and Malcolm MacRury (Shaftesbury Films, Toronto), director: Jon Cassar; THE WHITE CIRCUS, producer: Melissa Malkin (Silo Corporation, Montreal), directors: Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski.
With the Perspective Canada Showreels Screenings—in continuity with market screenings at Berlin and Cannes film markets—Telefilm Canada is helping build industry interest stateside in Canadian feature film productions expected to hit the festival circuit and cinemas in coming months. Telefilm is also using this opportunity to showcase the diversity and quality of Canadian film to an audience of American and international industry professionals.
“One lesser-known aspect of Telefilm Canada’s mandate is our role as facilitator between film teams and the international film industry,” said Sheila de la Varende, Director, International and National Business Development, Telefilm Canada. “Through the Independent Film Week’s No Borders Market, we are providing the opportunity for Canadian producers to build lasting relationships with the American and international independent community, including directors, writers and other producers.”
“Participating in No Borders was a great way to introduce VICTORIA DAY to the marketplace. The quality of distributors and financiers, particularly American, was top notch and the collegial atmosphere facilitated thoughtful meetings,” said Judy Holm of Markham Street Films, Toronto, one of the producers of VICTORIA DAY, David Bezmozgis’ debut feature film that world premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year. “It is through such intimate encounters as those provided by No Borders that great working relationships are started.”
“Telefilm Canada has been a valuable partner in IFP’s No Border’s Co-Production market for many years,” says IFP Executive Director Michelle Byrd. “We are really pleased to continue providing a forum for presenting new Canadian projects to industry here in New York.”
Developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian productions that appeal to domestic and international audiences. The Corporation also administers the funding programs of the Canadian Feature Film Fund, the Canadian Television Fund and the Canada New Media Fund. Visit www.telefilm.ca.
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For more information:
Eva Hartling
Communications Specialist, Telefilm Canada
514-283-0838, ext. 2090 or 1-800-567-0890
hartlie@telefilm.ca