Official statement from Carolle Brabant, Executive Director, on the passing of Sheila de La Varende, Director, International Promotion

Montréal, November 22, 2017  — “It is with deep sadness that we learn that Sheila de La Varende, Director, International Promotion, has passed away.

“Today we have lost a most inspiring colleague. For close to 30 years, Sheila had been an influential figure in Canada’s film and television industry. Her legacy and impact on both the industry as well as Telefilm are difficult to sum up. There was no better ambassador, and her strength of character, vision, and passion will not easily be replaced.

“In her many years with Telefilm, Sheila led our European office in Paris for 10 years and was the catalyst for Immersion Europe, an annual feature film coproduction financing forum. A true visionary, next she joined the Festival du nouveau cinéma in Montreal as Executive Director before moving to the National Film Board, where she spearheaded a largescale digital distribution project. Her return to Telefilm in 2009 helped the organization to reach new heights in terms of our international promotion efforts. Her accomplishments are perhaps too many to count.

“On behalf of all of Telefilm’s employees, our most sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.”