Canada Supports International Growth of Creative Ventures with $90,000 Investment at Atlantic International Film Festival…
The Canadian government is committed to aiding Canadian creative businesses and organizations in enhancing their global footprint and increasing international exports.
The Creative Export Canada program not only bolsters Canada’s economy but also highlights the talents of Canadian creatives.
Today, Lena Metlege Diab, MP for Halifax West, revealed a $90,000 investment aimed at helping Capital Motion Picture Group’s JustWatchMe.tv expand into new markets.
This international digital streaming platform showcases Canadian-produced feature films, documentaries, short films, and series. This funding will enable the company to extend its export activities into new global territories.
Ms. Diab made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, at the Atlantic International Film Festival, organized by the Atlantic Film Festival Association.
In July, Canadian Heritage also granted $70,000 in Creative Export Canada support to the Atlantic Film Festival Association’s Partners Spotlights, an annual market for co-production and co-financing that will help Canadian producers and distributors broaden their international reach.
As part of the Creative Export Canada program’s new Export Development Stream, this investment in Capital Motion Picture Group and the Atlantic Film Festival Association aims to enhance the visibility of Canadian creative industries, boost their export revenues in global markets, and contribute to Canada’s economic growth.
The Export Development Stream supports Canadian businesses and organizations entering international markets and expanding their global networks, including Indigenous and equity-deserving creative businesses. More details on these projects and funding can be found in the attached backgrounder.
Quotes:
“Breaking into new international markets can be challenging. That’s why we’re supporting Capital Motion Picture Group and the Atlantic Film Festival Association—to help them tap into the global potential of their high-quality services and achieve success abroad. These organizations exemplify how Canada’s creativity and culture can shine on the world stage.”
—The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“By supporting Halifax’s Atlantic Film Festival Association and Ottawa’s Capital Motion Picture Group, we are highlighting two exceptional creative businesses and assisting them in achieving international success. These projects are vital for the prosperity of our local creative sector, and we’re thrilled to showcase them at the Atlantic International Film Festival.”
—Lena Metlege Diab, MP for Halifax West
“Thanks to the funding for JustWatchMe.tv, Creative Export Canada has not only supported innovation in streaming and pop-up cinemas but also helped numerous Canadian content creators, filmmakers, and artists reach new audiences.”
—Michael Dobbin, Managing Director, Capital Motion Picture Group
“We are extremely grateful for the Export Development Stream funding; it has been crucial in growing our business and staying relevant in a fast-evolving industry. It has enabled the Atlantic International Film Festival’s Film Industry market to engage global stakeholders and develop spotlights and programming featuring regions such as New Zealand and the Nordics.”
—Chrissy King-Lopes, Industry Programs Manager, Atlantic Film Festival Association
Quick Facts:
As part of the Creative Export Strategy renewal in April 2023, the Creative Export Canada program received $33 million over three years (2023-2026). The Export-Ready Stream allocates $7 million annually to export-ready projects that generate revenue and help Canadian creative industries reach a global audience. The new Export Development Stream invests $4 million per year in new and early-stage exporters and experienced exporters expanding their global networks.
Since its inception in 2018, Creative Export Canada has invested $51.7 million in 117 export-ready projects and $5.95 million in 80 projects under the Export Development Stream.
