Telefilm Canada is leading a digitization initiative called Canadian Cinema – Reignited, along with Hot Docs, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), “to reinforce the importance of Canadian films in cinemas, festivals and on digital platforms,” says a statement released July 6.
The digitization project is designed to bring important films in the Canadian feature film “ecosystem” to on-demand platforms, as well as to the big screen, “to capitalize on where national and international audiences can find Canadian films and classics.” Together, each of the partners are curating a selection of films that amplify a diversity of voices and allow the next generation of cinemagoers to experience films that played a role in shaping the Canadian film landscape, the statement continues.
“Hot Docs is thrilled to partner with Telefilm and other exceptional organizations in bringing important, underseen Canadian documentaries back to the attention of viewers across the country and around the world,” says Shane Smith, Hot Docs Director of Programming. “Only by preserving and digitizing Canadian films and sharing the important subjects they address, can we ensure the stories from our past are not lost to audiences of the future.”
Adds Christa Dickenson, Executive Director & CEO of Telefilm Canada: “Digitization is the natural next step to preserve the legacy of Canadian films. We are partnering with the industry to promote the rediscovery of Canadian cinema, first theatrically and then on streaming platforms around the world. We know there is an appetite for Canadian storytelling, and together we can ensure audiences get what they want.”
“Our filmmakers have proven that they are among the best in the world and we are thrilled that this project will encourage audiences to discover and rediscover uniquely Canadian stories,” say Cameron Bailey and Joana Vicente, TIFF Co-Heads.
TIFF Senior Programmer Steve Gravestock adds, “Audiences want to explore diverse narratives through new platforms now more than ever and digitization will help ensure our nation’s rich film history is preserved and celebrated for generations to come, from coast to coast to coast.”
“The Festival du nouveau cinéma de Montréal is pleased to participate in this project to revitalize our national film heritage and to celebrate its 50th anniversary by presenting these great Canadian classics,” said Nicolas Girard Deltruc, Executive Director of the Festival du nouveau cinema.
“In our global society, where content from around the world is available at your fingertips, it is more important than ever to prioritize the discoverability of Canadian films,” comments Beth Janson, CEO of Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “With this partnership, we look forward to highlighting work that should be seen and appreciated by audiences and filmmakers alike.”
