Reigniting seminal Canadian films through digitization for greater access
In partnership with Hot Docs, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma and the Toronto International Film Festival
Telefilm Canada is leading a digitization initiative called Canadian Cinema – Reignited, along with Hot Docs, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), to reinforce the importance of Canadian films in cinemas, festivals and on digital platforms.
This digitization project brings important films in the Canadian feature film ecosystem to on-demand platforms, as well as on the big screen, to capitalize on where national and international audiences can find Canadian films and classics. Together, each of the partners are curating a selection of films that amplify a diversity of voices and allow the next generation of cinemagoers to experience films that played a role in shaping the Canadian film landscape.
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“Digitization is the natural next step to preserve the legacy of Canadian films,” said Christa Dickenson, Executive Director & CEO of Telefilm Canada. “We are partnering with the industry to promote the rediscovery of Canadian cinema, first theatrically and then on streaming platforms around the world. We know there is an appetite for Canadian storytelling, and together we can ensure audiences get what they want.”
“Hot Docs is thrilled to partner with Telefilm and other exceptional organizations in bringing important, underseen Canadian documentaries back to the attention of viewers across the country and around the world,” said Shane Smith, Hot Docs Director of Programming. “Only by preserving and digitizing Canadian films and sharing the important subjects they address, can we ensure the stories from our past are not lost to audiences of the future.”
“In our global society, where content from around the world is available at your fingertips, it is more important than ever to prioritize the discoverability of Canadian films,” said Beth Janson, CEO of Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “With this partnership, we look forward to highlighting work that should be seen and appreciated by audiences and filmmakers alike.”
“Our filmmakers have proven that they are among the best in the world and we are thrilled that this project will encourage audiences to discover and rediscover uniquely Canadian stories,” said Cameron Bailey and Joana Vicente, TIFF Co-Heads. TIFF Senior Programmer Steve Gravestock said, “Audiences want to explore diverse narratives through new platforms now more than ever and digitization will help ensure our nation’s rich film history is preserved and celebrated for generations to come, from coast to coast to coast.”
“The Festival du nouveau cinéma de Montréal is pleased to participate in this project to revitalize our national film heritage and to celebrate its 50th anniversary by presenting these great Canadian classics,” said Nicolas Girard Deltruc, Executive Director of the Festival du nouveau cinema.
Digitized film titles will be announced as they are made available. Please visit our social channels to get the latest updates: Twitter and Facebook.
About Hot Docs
Hot Docs (hotdocs.ca), North America’s largest documentary festival, conference and market, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary and to creating production opportunities for documentary filmmakers. Year-round, Hot Docs supports the Canadian and international industry with professional development programs and a multi-million-dollar production fund portfolio, and fosters education through documentaries with its popular free program Docs For Schools. Hot Docs owns and programs Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, a century-old landmark located in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood and the world’s first and largest documentary cinema, and operates Hot Docs at Home streaming platform.
About the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is the largest non-profit professional arts organization in Canada. We are dedicated to recognizing, advocating for, and celebrating Canadian talent in the film, television, and digital media sectors. Our more than 4,000 members encompass industry icons and professionals, emerging artists, and students. Collectively, we deliver professional development programs and networking opportunities that foster industry growth, inclusion, and mentorship.
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television proudly acknowledges the support of its Premier Partner, Telefilm Canada; Platinum Partners, CBC and CTV; Principal Partner, Netflix; and its Lead Partners, the Canada Media Fund, Cineplex, and the Cogeco Fund.
For information on membership and programming, visit academy.ca.
About the FNC
A lively, bold, popular, innovative event! For 50 years, the FNC has been making national and international auteur cinema accessible, treating audiences to works of diversity and originality by emerging and major filmmakers. Our focus on the NEW is threefold: new creators, new approaches and new technologies. Dean of Canadian film festivals and a major Quebec event, the FNC presents over 200 works from 60 different countries every year to celebrate the best of today’s cinema!
For more information, visit nouveaucinema.ca/en.
About TIFF
TIFF is a not-for-profit cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world through film. An international leader in film culture, TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival in September; TIFF Bell Lightbox, which features five cinemas, learning and entertainment facilities; and innovative national distribution program Film Circuit. The organization generates an annual economic impact of $200 million CAD. TIFF Bell Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including Founding Sponsor Bell, the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation and RBC.
For more information, visit tiff.net.
About Telefilm Canada
Telefilm is dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry. Through funding and promotion programs, Telefilm supports dynamic companies and creative talent at home and around the world. Telefilm also makes recommendations regarding the certification of audiovisual treaty coproductions to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2012, the Talent Fund raises private donations to principally support emerging talent.
Visit telefilm.ca.
Media contact:
Joyce Richards
Advisor, Public Relations – English Market
Telefilm Canada
647-475-4903
joyce.richards@telefilm.ca
Andrea Smitko
Media Relations Manager
Hot Docs
asmitko@hotdocs.ca
Natalie Grossi
Director, Marketing & Communications
Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
ngrossi@academy.ca
Emma Kelly
Senior Manager, Communications & Brand
TIFF Bell Lightbox
ekelly@tiff.net
Mélanie Mingotaud
Publicist
Festival du nouveau cinéma
514-582-5272
melanie@mingo2.ca