Telefilm Canada has announced some changes to its Marketing Program and named additional initiatives that amplify Black women filmmakers as recipients of funding through its Promotion Program.

Changes in the relaunched Marketing Program for fiscal 2022-2023, which supports distribution and production companies for marketing and distribution of feature films, include the removal of Telefilm’s pre-approval requirement for costs related to release on ancillary platforms.

Meanwhile, the Black Screen Office’s BSO – DGC Black Women Directors Accelerator Program and Black Women Film! Canada’s M/othering in the Industry Symposium are among the latest initiatives to receive financial support from the Promotion Program.

Also getting funding from the Promotion Program is I.M.P.A.C.T.’s Empowering Black and Racialized Women in the Entertainment Industry – Reach and Teach Symposium, as well as the new producer training for emerging professionals from Vues d’Afrique.

The Promotion Program provides financial support for promotional activities held in Canada that showcase Canadian content and talent. Emerging Lens Film Festival’s Breaking Through the Screens for African Canadians (Black Crew Matters) also recently received funding through the program.

Telefilm said in a news release that through the Promotion Program, it’s enhancing the career development of Black women at various experience levels and roles within the industry. Telefilm plans to hold a panel discussion featuring each of the organizations’ leadership on March 23 and highlight all projects receiving support from the Promotion Program later this spring.

“To increase the number of projects submitted to our pipeline, greater attention needs to be given to advancing Black women in Canadian film and television,” said Cathy Wong, VP, equity, diversity & inclusion and official languages at Telefilm Canada, said in a statement. “By working with organizations across the country, we can help provide enhanced support to Black women at all career levels and position them for greater success within the industry. Mentorship, apprenticeship, and access are all essential components to making this happen.”

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