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Festival circuit

Gain exposure for your production, develop new contacts, and obtain recognition by participating in film festivals around the world.

Through our partnerships, we help to position Canada as a creative and commercial partner of choice. 

We work closely with the world’s major international film festivals in order to promote Canadian productions selected to take part in these festivals.

Telefilm helps producers at these festivals and more by shepherding them through the process – through our festival initiatives, RDV Canada, or funding programs we offer. 

Festival initiatives 

Festival calls for entry

We offer a call for entry service via email that provides important information about the application process for key festivals.

Preselection initiative 

Each year, Telefilm Canada organizes private screenings of Canadian films for programmers of top-tier international festivals. 

Projects submitted at the preselection stage benefit from significant exposure among key decision makers from the festivals. 

Preselections are held for the following festivals: 

  • Berlin International Film Festival 
  • Busan International Film Festival 
  • Cannes Film Festival 
  • Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 
  • Locarno Film Festival 
  • Sundance Film Festival

Oscars call for entry 

Each year, Telefilm Canada coordinates the Pan-Canadian Selection Committee and the process to determine which Canadian film will be submitted for the International Film Award competition at the Academy Awards™. 

This committee will screen eligible films and vote on which film will represent Canada in the competition. 

Funding programs

International Promotion program 

Through this program, we help fund the international promotion and marketing of Canadian feature films officially selected by international festivals. 

Export Assistance program 

The program provides financial support to distribution companies that have acquired exploitation rights of eligible Canadian feature films in selected foreign territories.