Study: Exploring the Futures of Distribution – Strategic Visions for the Canadian Audiovisual Industry

Telefilm Canada launched a national initiative, entitled Towards the Future of Distribution, to reflect on the future of audiovisual distribution in Canada. This initiative, which kick started in 2024, was conducted by La Société des demains for Telefilm Canada, with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, Indigenous Screen Office, and the National Film Board of Canada alongside industry players from across the country. Aligned with Telefilm’s third strategic priority of playing a leading role in modernizing the sector, the goal was to identify possible solutions on both an organizational and ecosystemic scale in order to better support, develop and promote the distribution and exports of Canadian and Indigenous films. 

The report Exploring the Futures of Distribution – Strategic Visions for the Canadian Audiovisual Industry, produced by La Société des demains inc., bears witness to the pan-Canadian participative process of reflection and findings. 

Main takeaways:  

• Challenges facing distribution are structural and call for a systemic response.
• Distribution cannot be seen as an independent activity and must be seen as an interdependent ecosystem.
• A holistic and concerted approach is required to harmonize funding levers, support, promotion and discoverability – while placing the audience at the heart of the strategy.
• The future of the Canadian audiovisual industry must be built upon an audience-focused national strategy structured around two fundamental levers identified throughout the process: (1) preparing tomorrow’s audience and (2) enhancing the diversity of our stories to ensure they shine in international markets. 

The full report of the study can be found here.