The Department of Canadian Heritage has unveiled the 21 projects selected under the renewed Creative Export Canada program, with a number of screen sector companies among the recipients.

The projects were selected through the Export-Ready Stream, which provides financial contributions to companies with projects that generate export revenue.

Among the recipients is Montreal’s Pixcom, which received $690,000 to expand its export strategy via international broadcasters, streamers and distributors; Toronto’s Dark Slope, which received $212,000 over two years for the promotion and localization of its interactive extended reality project Dino Habitat; and Montreal’s Echo Media Distribution, receiving $145,000 over two years to establish its international distribution network.

The stream will invest $7 million per year, and is part of the three-year $33 million Creative Export Strategy, according to a news release. The newly formed Export Development Stream, which helps new and established exporters, will invest $4 million per year.

CaribbeanTales is launching new copro forum in Barbados

Toronto-based CaribbeanTales Media Group has partnered with Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa-based Imagine Media International and The University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, Barbados to launch the Cross Continental Forum.

The coproduction event runs in Barbados from April 15 to 19 and serves as a forum and incubator for companies based in Canada, the U.K., South Africa and the Caribbean. The programming includes pitch sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities.

The Forum is supported by the British Film Institute and the Canada Media Fund.

“This forum is designed to facilitate meaningful connections and discussions that will lead to successful coproductions and advancements within our industry,” said CaribbeanTales Media Group CEO Frances-Anne Solomon in a statement.

LIFT names first resident of Digital Cinema Residency

The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) has named filmmaker A.C. Birch as the inaugural resident of its Digital Cinema Residency for the documentary King Kreme.

The residency supports the production and post-production of a digital cinema project, providing access to mentorship and equipment.

King Kreme, currently in post-production, is co-directed by Birch and drag performer Gei Ping Hohl, and examines the artistry behind drag king Krēme Inakuchi.

Image: Unsplash