Wayne Clarkson is the executive director of Telefilm Canada.

Telefilm Canada is pleased to salute the 10th anniversary of the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles. As executive director of Telefilm, and on behalf of the corporation, I applaud SODEC’s outstanding contribution to the vitality, success and prominence of Quebec-made films and television programs.

Since its creation in 1995,

SODEC has vigorously supported the development of Quebec culture, and played a leading role in fostering the production and distribution of high-quality cultural products and the emergence of new talent.

Indeed, Quebec cinema is enjoying unprecedented success, scoring hit after hit in recent years. Quebec films now account for more than 26% of the box office in the French-language domestic market. This is due to films such as Aurore, Horloge biologique and C.R.A.Z.Y., winner of the award for best Canadian feature at the Toronto International Film Festival and Canada’s official entry for the 2006 Oscars. One cannot overlook triumphs like Mambo Italiano, one of the most popular English-language Canadian films ever made. And there are many more.

SODEC is a strong supporter of film festivals and promotional activities, ensuring the presence of Quebec cinema from coast to coast. It also contributes to the international renown of local filmmaking, and promotes coproduction and partnerships among francophone producers. Telefilm salutes such initiatives, which is why we are joining forces with

SODEC this year to bring the second Francophone Coproduction Meetings, taking place Nov. 23-25 in Paris, in conjunction with the 9th annual Cinéma du Québec event.

Today more than ever, Quebec films are exploring new avenues, boldly making their mark and revealing the most distinctive facets of their culture. For that, thanks are due to SODEC’s drive, determination and constant striving to improve conditions for creators and encourage the integration and complementarity of public and private expertise. The results of its efforts have prompted the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Manitoba to move in the same direction and increase their cultural funding. Hats off to that!

For the past 10 years, SODEC has served the entire spectrum of the cultural industry with a wide variety of resources and programs. Telefilm is proud to share the same mission of supporting culture and developing talent. We could have no better partner in enabling Quebec film and television to connect with ever-growing audiences.

Congratulations to SODEC on a decade of building success in Quebec!