The challenges facing the audiovisual distribution industry are structural and call for a systemic response in order to better support, develop and promote the distribution and exports of Canadian and Indigenous films, says a new report conducted by La Société des demains for Telefilm Canada.
The report, Exploring the Futures of Distribution – Strategic Visions for the Canadian Audiovisual Industry, is based on findings from a series of workshops with industry representatives held virtually in August and in-person in November of last year as well as a final workshop held in Ottawa in January 2025 that included decision-makers from Telefilm, Canada Media Fund, Indigenous Screen Office and the National Film Board of Canada.
Among the key takeaways from the report, distribution cannot be seen as an independent activity and must be seen as an interdependent ecosystem — to resolve distribution issues in a sustainable manner, it is essential to tackle the structural problems throughout the entire value chain, both upstream and downstream of distribution, the report says.
The report also finds a holistic and concerted approach is required to harmonize funding levers, support, promotion and discoverability, while placing the audience at the heart of the strategy.
According to the report, this audience-focused strategy needs to address two fundamental aspects deemed essential in all of the workshop discussions: the development and engagement of future audiences; and enhancing and strengthening the diversity of stories to ensure they shine in international markets.
The full report of the study can be found here.
Screenshot of the report’s cover page
