MONTREAL – An impressive billing of Canadian film directors and producers are banding together to oppose a move that would merge Telefilm Canada, the Canadian Media Fund and other unnamed crown corporations to form a "super agency”.
In a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau and Heritage Minister Joly, heavyweights including Denys Arcand, David Cronenberg, Xavier Dolan, Atom Egoyan, Paul Gross and Sarah Polley say that such a proposal, yet to be made public, would “deal a devastating blow to Canadian cinema”, and urged that Telefilm Canada remain as a standalone funding agency.
The letter, dated April 19, 2017, credits Telefilm as the “keystone” in the international success of many Canadian films and the rising profiles of numerous Canadian feature filmmakers.
“We would like to state, in no uncertain terms, that none of this would have been possible without the support of Telefilm Canada – and not just because of its production investments”, reads the letter. “Telefilm is managed by professionals with a passion for cinema, well acquainted with the milieu they serve. It is a case study for a well-run, successful public agency that delivers according to its mission. Its administration costs are low. Its funds are spread across an array of projects ranging from the modest to the ambitious. It supports veterans and newcomers alike. It has developed a sound business strategy, leveraging its limited resources by coupling investments with the private sector.
“We are deeply concerned that if feature film investments are subsumed within a larger agency with a competing and unsympathetic mandate, its independence and efficacy will quickly erode. We respectfully urge you to continue to support the lifeline of Canadian cinema via a standalone Telefilm Canada, a federal agency that truly works.”
