MONTREAL – Québec Cinéma is teaming up with Netflix to help mentor and coach the next generation of Quebec filmmakers.
The three-year partnership will include the creation of a Talent Lab that will see a group of emerging artists develop and refine their skills through mentoring sessions, conferences, discussions and master classes given by Quebec and internationally renowned film industry professionals, reads Thursday's announcement.
A call for entries will be announced shortly and the first of three Talent Labs will take place in February 2020 during the Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma festival. In keeping with its values of equality and diversity, Québec Cinéma said that it will encourage the participation of women and members of the Native and francophone communities from across Canada.
“Training and mentoring emerging talent has been a part of our mission since our beginnings”, said Québec Cinéma executive director Ségolène Roederer, in the announcement. “This partnership with Netflix allows us to do more in that regard by providing our future filmmakers with real-life experiences and the opportunity to learn from the best minds in the industry.”
Netflix said that the partnership is part of its $25 million commitment to invest in local cultural organizations and events to support new and diverse Canadian talent.
“Netflix is delighted to partner with Québec Cinéma to develop a mentorship program created specifically to support emerging artists from here,” added Funa Maduka, Netflix’s director of international original films, production and acquisition. "We are always on the lookout for the best stories, which is why we are happy to invest in programs such as the Talent Lab, to support emerging filmmakers who will go on to create stories for Canada and the rest of the world.”
