Montreal: Despite vigorous protests from a coalition of Quebec film festivals and other Canadian festivals, Telefilm Canada has reconfirmed a decision to withdraw funding for 10 festivals over a three-year period.

In Quebec, a vocal cross-section of the industry has joined up with a festival front group formed to rally support against the agency’s decision.

A spokesman for the Coalition des 7 says the cuts are a desertion of Telefilm’s cultural mandate.

The group includes Carrousel international du film de Rimouski, Festival du cinema international en Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Festival international du court metrage, Festival International du film sur l’art, Festival Silence elles tournent, Nouveau festival international du cinema, de la video et des nouvelles technologies de Montreal, and Vues d’Afrique – les journees du cinema africain et creole.

Telefilm has responded to the criticism by reconfirming its financing support for eight festivals – the Montreal World Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Atlantic Film Festival, Festival du cinema francophone international en Acadie, Banff Television Festival, Ottawa International Animation Festival and Hot Docs!.

Telefilm executive director Francois Macerola says for festivals whose funding is being phased out, they ‘can be supported by their respective communities, especially the business communities, and by other political and cultural institutions.’

Macerola says the cuts will ultimately save the corporation $600,000.