Telefilm Canada feature film portfolio to better reflect country's greatest asset-the diversity of its people

MONTREAL, Sept. 8, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Telefilm Canada today announced its goal to build, by 2020, a representative and diversified feature film portfolio that better reflects Canada's population. With a focus on how it can enhance existing diversity initiatives, Telefilm has set for itself the following objective:

By 2020, have a more representative and diversified feature film portfolio that better reflects gender, diversity and Canada's Indigenous communities.

"Building a portfolio that better reflects Canadian society is a priority for us," said Carolle Brabant, Telefilm's Executive Director. "I'm very pleased to see that the industry is committed to change. Establishing a working group with the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and the Association québécoise de la production médiatique (AQPM) will help us develop lasting and impactful solutions."

Reynolds Mastin, President and CEO, CMPA, added: "When Canadian films are at their best, they reflect the rich experience and perspectives of the people who make up our diverse nation. Today's announcement in an important step in the right direction, and we look forward to working with our partners to make this vision a reality."

Hélène Messier, President and CEO, AQPM, further added: "The AQPM is pleased to partner in this new initiative to ensure that film production takes more into account the diversity of our society. By better addressing the fundamental issue of representation we can enrich Canada's cultural offering."

Promotion and thought leadership in support of representation and diversity
Telefilm has partnered with the industry to support representation and diversity in Canadian cinema, in terms of promotion (ex. Birks Diamond Tribute during the Toronto International Film Festival, St. John's International Women's Film Festival, imagineNATIVE Film & Media Arts Festival, ReelWorld Film Festival); professional development (ex. Women in Film & Television); and research (ex. Women in View—2 x More and the recent CMPA study on women in the screen industries in Canada).

About Telefilm Canada—Inspired by talent. Viewed everywhere.
Created in 1967, Telefilm is dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada's audiovisual industry. Through its various funding and promotion programs, Telefilm supports dynamic companies and creative talent here 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 and the Talent Fund, a private donation initiative. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/telefilm_canada and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/telefilmcanada.

SOURCE Telefilm Canada

Media enquiries: Douglas Chow, Head, Public Relations, Telefilm Canada, [phone], ext. 2048 or 1-800-567-0890, [email protected]