Telefilm Canada has promoted Francesca Accinelli to SVP, program strategy and industry development as part of a merger of the fund’s cultural portfolio and promotional activities.

Accinelli (pictured) will lead the activities of the combined sectors, and has been promoted for a five-year term, according to a news release.

Accinelli has held a number of roles at Telefilm over the last two decades, most recently as VP of promotions, communications and international relations, and as interim executive director from September 2022 to April 2023. She initially worked in the administration of Canada Media Fund programs, before being promoted to lead the Telefilm’s promotions and communications work.

The Crown corporation also confirmed that René Bourdages, who held the title of VP, cultural portfolio management, has now departed the organization following the merge of the two sectors.

Bourdages first joined Telefilm in 2019, and has worked in the screen sector for more than 30 years, holding senior roles at the National Film Board of Canada, CBC/Radio-Canada, Astral Media and TVA.

“We are bringing together the core of Telefilm’s activities within a single sector to promote coherence in the implementation of an integrated strategic vision for all programs,” said Telefilm executive director and CEO Julie Roy in a statement.

“Francesca Accinelli is a recognized relationship builder with extensive industry and Telefilm experience. Her unifying leadership will enable her to fulfill her mandate and lead a great team to achieve maximum impact with the industry. I would also like to thank René Bourdages for his accomplishments over the last few years,” she continued.

Image courtesy of Telefilm Canada