TIFF Programming

SXSW Programming

Discover Canada’s programming at SXSW

MARCH 7 TO 12

Telefilm Canada is committed to fostering inclusive and accessible participation for everyone. We plan to offer the following services inside the Canada Pavilion:

Live captions and translated audio in English, French and other languages through AI software
Accessible seating areas
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services, upon request and subject to availability

Thursday, September 10

9 am

10:30 am

See You at the Pavilion: Canada's TIFF Kickoff

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

A new market, a new pavilion, and the start of a new TIFF chapter. Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates and the Indigenous Screen Office, invite the Canadian delegation to celebrate the opening of the Canada Pavilion and the launch of TIFF: The Market. From this year’s Canadian selections and the filmmakers and producers behind them to the teams and organizations that support their work, let’s come together and kick off the week ahead.

Open to Canadian Market badge holders.

10:30 am

12 pm

Meet the Canada Media Fund and their Program Administration team

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Rod Butler, Canada Media Fund - Senior Vice-President, Policy and Program Design
Julie Venerus, CMFPA - Deputy Director, Portfolio Management

Are you producing television, documentary, digital media, interactive projects, or emerging formats? Join representatives from the Canada Media Fund and its Program Administration team at Telefilm Canada in an informal session for producers, creators, and industry professionals.

Learn more about CMF programs and application processes in both the English and French markets, ask questions, and meet your colleagues through networking and roundtable discussions. Whether you’re preparing your first application or planning your next project, this is an opportunity to make connections and gain practical insights into navigating the CMF’s funding programs.

Speakers

Rod Butler - Senior Vice-President, Policy and Program Design

Julie Venerus - Deputy Director, Portfolio Management

11:30 am

12:30 pm

Beyond Borders: Eurimages Financing for Canadians

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Marielle Poupelin, Telefilm Canada - Specialist, International Business Development

Since becoming the first non-European country to join Eurimages in 2017, Canada has opened new pathways for collaboration with European partners. Join Telefilm Canada for a presentation exploring what Eurimages means for Canadian producers, how the fund works, and how Canadian projects can leverage international partnerships to develop, finance, and bring successful projects to audiences across markets.

Speakers

Marielle Poupelin - Specialist, International Business Development

12:30 pm

1:30 pm

Inside Telefilm: Funding, Partnerships and Audiences

TIFF Stage - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Lisa Broadfoot (Moderator), Canadian Media Producers Association - Vice President, Industry and Business Affairs
Julie Blondin, Telefilm Canada - National Director, Business Affairs and Coproduction
Erin Burke, Telefilm Canada - Interim National Director, English Market at Telefilm Canada

Telefilm Canada plays a unique role in Canada’s screen-based industry, from supporting feature films and administering international co-production treaties to advancing the reach of Canadian content at home and abroad.

Designed for producers at all stages of their careers, this intimate conversation will provide an inside look at how Telefilm works with filmmakers throughout the life of a project. Two of our National Directors will discuss how projects are assessed, how decisions are made, what happens after funding decisions are rendered, and how analysts and producers work together throughout the process.

The session will also explore what makes a project truly ready to apply, the importance of sound financing structures and audience strategies, and how success can be defined beyond a funding decision. Through the lens of Telefilm’s Strategic Framework, the discussion will examine the many ways Telefilm contributes to a vibrant Canadian industry and supports Canadian stories in reaching audiences at home and around the world.

Whether you are developing your next feature, navigating a changing marketplace, or looking to better understand Telefilm’s role within the industry, this session will offer valuable insight into the opportunities, priorities, and partnerships that shape Canada’s audiovisual sector.

TIFF site

Speakers

Lisa Broadfoot (Moderator) - Vice President, Industry and Business Affairs

Julie Blondin - National Director, Business Affairs and Coproduction

Erin Burke - Interim National Director, English Market at Telefilm Canada

1:30 pm

4:30 pm

French Connections: Producing Across Canada and Beyond

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Carol Ann Pilon, APFC - Executive Director
Stéphane Cosentino, CMFPA - National Director
Danielle Hebert, Ontario Creates - Program Consultant
Johanne Larue, SODEC - General Director, Audiovisual Development and Production
Anita Damiani, Telefilm Canada - National Feature Film Executive – French Market
Lucie Meynial, Telefilm Canada - Senior Advisor and Coproduction Analyst
Meaghan Brander, Prince Edward Island Creates - Film Specialist
Laura Mackenzie, Screen Nova Scotia - Chief Executive Officer
Steven Foster, Manitoba Film and Music - Director, Film Commission Services & Industry Development

Bringing together key players from across Canada’s francophone screen sector, this new three-part industry event brings together producers, funders and organizations from across Canada to spotlight the opportunities, partnerships, and perspectives shaping French-language production today.

Explore the organizations and resources supporting the industry, hear from producers working across provincial and international markets, and connect with colleagues and potential collaborators. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, explore co-production opportunities, or gain insight into the francophone production landscape, you can join a single session or participate in the full program.

*The event will be bilingual.

1:30 to 2:30pm: Round table discussions with industry leaders

2:30 to 3:30pm: French Canadian Production Company spotlight

Wookey Films (MB)

Locomotive Médias (BC)

Scintilla Cinéma Immersif (QC)

Zazie Films (ON)

ATO Médias (ON)

Ninis Productions (MB)

Productions du Milieu (NB)

3:30 to 4:30pm: Coffee and Connections – an informal networking break

Speakers

Carol Ann Pilon - Executive Director

Stéphane Cosentino - National Director

Danielle Hebert - Program Consultant

Johanne Larue - General Director, Audiovisual Development and Production

Anita Damiani - National Feature Film Executive – French Market

Lucie Meynial - Senior Advisor and Coproduction Analyst

Meaghan Brander - Film Specialist

Laura Mackenzie - Chief Executive Officer

Steven Foster - Director, Film Commission Services & Industry Development

4:30 pm

6:30 pm

APFC Delegation: Meet French-Canadian and French Producers

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Discover French-Canadian and French producers brought together by the Alliance des producteurs francophones du Canada (APFC) for a series of networking sessions designed to foster professional connections and exchange.

Meet the producers, explore their projects and creative worlds, and spark new collaboration opportunities.

Program: Welcome remarks, followed by a pitching session featuring 16 production companies (8 APFC members and 8 French companies). The event will conclude at approximately 6:30 pm.

Friday, September 11

9 am

10:30 am

7 Deadly Sins of Film Sales & Pitching

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Jing Haase (Moderator), Kurzfilmtage Winterthur - Head of Industry
Jason Ryle, TIFF - International Programmer
Jasmin McSweeney, Umbrella - Senior Manager - Acquisitions
Anusha Duray, NITV/SBS - Acquisition Manager

Bringing Indigenous-led stories to world markets takes strategy. Join top industry pros as they dissect 7 major pitfalls in sales and pitching—and how to build authentic, high-impact buyer relationships. Organized by the Indigenous Cinema Alliance.

Speakers

Jing Haase (Moderator) - Head of Industry

Jason Ryle - International Programmer

Jasmin McSweeney - Senior Manager - Acquisitions

Anusha Duray - Acquisition Manager

10:30 am

11:30 am

From Script to Audiences: Building your Community

TIFF Stage - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Liz Duff (Moderator), Late Night Scrolling with Liz - Pop Culture commentator and Host
Chad Archibald, Black Fawn Films - President
Jonathan Wong Chee Hynn, Rags 2 Richmond - Co-Creator / Lead Actor
Liv Nasner, Elevation Pictures - Director, Specialty Marketing & Brand

Most stories do not begin with a guaranteed audience. Some begin with people who see themselves in the story first. Whether rooted in a genre, a platform, a neighbourhood, or a culture, they help carry it farther than traditional discovery alone.

As converting attention into actual viewership becomes harder to achieve, communities are playing a growing role in what breaks through. Bringing together voices from Canadian distribution, social-first storytelling, the horror industry, online film culture, and emerging audience trends, this conversation explores how communities are identified, engaged, and mobilized across formats and platforms.

Panelists will discuss how to identify who your story is for, when audience thinking should begin, and what separates reaching an audience from building a community. In a crowded marketplace, what happens when your most invested viewers become your strongest advocates?

TIFF site

Speakers

Liz Duff (Moderator) - Pop Culture commentator and Host

Chad Archibald - President

Jonathan Wong Chee Hynn - Co-Creator / Lead Actor

Liv Nasner - Director, Specialty Marketing & Brand

12 pm

1 pm

Networking Lunch & Opening remarks

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Join the Canadian Media Producers Association and our members at TIFF: The Market for a day of B2B meetings, engaging content sessions and networking in a relaxed but business-focused setting.

Kick off TIFF by connecting directly with Canadian partners in a focused, deal-making environment

12:15 pm

3 pm

B2B Meetings

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

One-on-one meetings: Meet Canadian producers in focused, 20-minute B2B meetings. All producers will require registration on our meeting platform to create your profile. You can browse participating producers’ profiles on the platform and book meetings directly

12:30 pm

1:30 pm

PERSPECTIVES Everything Old is IP Again

TIFF Stage - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Laura Mingail, Archetypes & Effects - Founder • Principal
Michael Dowse, The Stunt Driver, FUBAR - Director
Mackenzie Donaldson, Yaga - Producer
Lenny Jo Goudreau, Les Boys - Producer

Canadian stories are as vast and diverse as our country’s terrain. Our rich histories provide a landscape for creative, authentic, and above all, entertaining storytelling that has inevitably built an incredible library of IP. Canadian creators are finding new ways to renovate, reinvigorate, and expand on beloved characters – real and imagined. Join this impressive group of Canadian creators as we delve into the business, the creativity, and the maintenance and ownership of IP.

TIFF site

Speakers

Laura Mingail - Founder • Principal

Michael Dowse - Director

Mackenzie Donaldson - Producer

Lenny Jo Goudreau - Producer

1 pm

1:45 pm

In conversation with Don Carmody

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Contenu à venir…

2 pm

2:45 pm

Broadcasting Regulation in a Global Context

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Contenu à venir…

3 pm

3:45 pm

Growing Your Audience: Grassroots Strategies

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Contenu à venir…

4:30 pm

5:30 pm

Financing in the Age of AI

TIFF Stage - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Prem Gill (Moderator) - Strategic Advisor
Sébastien Pigeon, Telefilm Canada - Vice President, Legal Services, Information Technology and Corporate Secretary
Kjetil Omberg, Norwegian Film Institute - Director of Audience Engagement and Positioning
Grainne Brunsdon, Screen Australia - Chief Operating Officer

As artificial intelligence increasingly transforms project development and production, this panel brings together major screen funders to discuss how the use of AI affects your funding applications. Hear from our guests about evolving evaluation criteria and policies that aim to balance technological innovation and human-driven, authentic storytelling.

TIFF site

Speakers

Prem Gill (Moderator) - Strategic Advisor

Sébastien Pigeon - Vice President, Legal Services, Information Technology and Corporate Secretary

Kjetil Omberg - Director of Audience Engagement and Positioning

Grainne Brunsdon - Chief Operating Officer

4:30 pm

6 pm

Networking Reception

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Stick around after for the reception where you can build partnerships and meet producers.

Saturday, September 12

9:30 am

10:30 am

Queer Pavilion Breakfast

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Private breakfast, hosted by Queer Pavilion

10:30 am

11:30 am

PANEL: Queer Representation in Genre Films

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Contenu à venir…

12:30 pm

4:30 pm

Come meet Manitoba!

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Kyle Bornais, Farpoint Films - CEO and co-founder
Chris McIvor, Frank Digital - Executive Producer and CEO
Ellen Rutter, Bonus Production Services - Owner
Joy Loewen, Canada Media Fund - Vice-President, Industry Development
Ian Dimerman, Inferno Pictures - President

Learn more about filming in Manitoba, including presentations about tax credits, locations, and a panel featuring Manitoba producers!

Speakers

Kyle Bornais - CEO and co-founder

Chris McIvor - Executive Producer and CEO

Ellen Rutter - Owner

Joy Loewen - Vice-President, Industry Development

Ian Dimerman - President

4:30 pm

6 pm

CANADA: NORTH OF 60 RECEPTION AT TIFF MARKET

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Please join Yukon Media, Northwest Territories Film Commission and Nunavut Development Corporation for an end-of-day gathering to explore opportunities emerging North of 60!

Food and refreshments will be served.

Sunday, September 13

10 am

10:40 am

Co-Producing from the East Coast: How Atlantic Companies Are Building Strategic Partnerships

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Jenna MacMillan, Club Red Productions - Producer
Vanessa King, Cart Before Horse - Producer
Jason Levangie, Shut Up and Colour Pictures - Producer

Hear from some of the East Coast’s leading producers about how Atlantic Canada is turning regional interest into actual deal-thinking with lessons from successful international and inter-provincial collaborations.

Speakers

Jenna MacMillan - Producer

Vanessa King - Producer

Jason Levangie - Producer

10:45 am

11:10 am

Four Provinces, Four Perspectives: A Conversation with the Region's Film Offices

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Laura Churchill, PictureNL - Chief Executive Officer & Film Commissioner
Meaghan Brander, Prince Edward Island Creates - Film Industry Growth Specialist
Jean Surette, Government of New Brunswick - Director of Arts & Culture
Laura Mackenzie, Screen Nova Scotia and Screen Nova Scotia Studios - CEO

Join New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island for a conversation on what makes each province such a compelling place to film. From distinctive locations and experienced crews to production support and incentives, the session will offer attendees a concise and practical look at why Atlantic Canada continues to stand out as a dynamic and production-ready region.

Speakers

Laura Churchill - Chief Executive Officer & Film Commissioner

Meaghan Brander - Film Industry Growth Specialist

Jean Surette - Director of Arts & Culture

Laura Mackenzie - CEO

11:15 am

11:45 am

In Conversation With - Atlantic Canada x Netflix

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Robin Neinstein, Netflix - Director of Production Management for Canada

An engaging conversation discussing why Atlantic Canada is increasingly attractive for domestic and international production – locations, crews, infrastructure, incentives, scale, creative partnerships, and co-production opportunities.

Speakers

Robin Neinstein - Director of Production Management for Canada

11:50 am

12:30 pm

From Regional Strength To Global Reach: How Producers Can Build Bigger Partnerships

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Chris Hatcher, Chara Pictures - Producer

A practical conversation with a veteran producer from Atlantic Canada in which producers can learn key takeaways on how to build relationships with studios, streamers, and major partners, and gain insight into how to position themselves, navigate bigger opportunities, and scale their work from local experience to a larger stage.

Speakers

Chris Hatcher - Producer

2 pm

4 pm

B2B Meetings

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Scheduled one-on-one meetings with producers from New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island for focused conversations around inter-provincial partnership building and international co-productions.

4 pm

6 pm

Reception

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

A reception to Celebrate Atlantic Canada’s Screen Industry.

Monday, September 14

9:30 am

10:15 am

Meet the ISO Team at the Canadian Pavilion

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Members of ISO’s Funding team Tash Naveau, Kaya Wheeler and Melanie Nepinak Hadley will introduce ISO’s programs and discuss funding opportunities available to Indigenous screen-based storytellers and organizations.

10:30 am

11:45 am

ISO Indigenous creatives B2B meetings

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

A series of 15 minute meetings connecting Indigenous producers from across Canada and around the world. A chance to make new connections, reconnect people and deepen relationships across the Indigenous screen sector.

By invitation only

12:15 pm

12:45 pm

A Short Discussion on Verticals with Marnie Gee, BC Film Commissioner, and two verticals producers.

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Contenu à venir…

12:45 pm

1:10 pm

A highlight on B.C.'s films at TIFF

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Contenu à venir…

1:30 pm

3 pm

DSO - All-Access Pass Launch Event

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Winnie Luk - Executive Director
Elspeth Arbow - Operations Manager
Prasanna Ranganathan

Join us for the launch of the DSO’s newest publication, All-Access Pass: A Roadmap for Festival & Screen Industry Event Accessibility. This practical resource is designed to help festival organizers build accessibility into their events from the start.

Presented by the Disability Screen Offfice

Speakers

Winnie Luk - Executive Director

Elspeth Arbow - Operations Manager

Prasanna Ranganathan -

3 pm

4:30 pm

Creative Canada Créatif : Building your world in our backlot

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Josette Normandeau (Moderator), Ideacom International
Dan Bekerman (British Columbia), Scythia Films
Adam Scrogie (Alberta), Score G Productions
Shauna Jamison (Ontario) , Shaftsbury
Jason Levangie (Nova Scotia), Shut Up & Color Pictures
Archita Ghosh (Quebec), Rezolution Pictures

Join us for an afternoon of conversation, inspiration, and connection as we celebrate Canada’s success as a world-class filmmaking destination at TIFF: The Market.

Hear directly from acclaimed producers and filmmakers whose stories have come to life on screens around the world. Through candid conversations and behind-the-scenes insights, our panelists will share what drew them to Canada, the experiences that shaped their productions, and why they continue to choose Canadian locations, talent, and crews to bring ambitious projects to life.

From bustling cities to breathtaking landscapes, discover how world-class films and series are being made in communities across the country, and why Canada continues to be a destination of choice for today’s leading productions.

The discussion will explore:

– Why Canada continues to attract world-class film and television productions

– The creative, financial, and production advantages available in communities across the country

– How filmmakers are leveraging Canada’s exceptional talent, diverse locations, and production ecosystem to bring stories to the screen

– Following the panel, join us for a networking reception where you can connect with fellow industry professionals, producers, filmmakers, and production partners over drinks and conversation.

Come celebrate the people, places, and productions that make Canada shine on the world stage. We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of stories, insights, and meaningful connections. More details here.

Speakers

Josette Normandeau (Moderator) -

Dan Bekerman (British Columbia) -

Adam Scrogie (Alberta) -

Shauna Jamison (Ontario) -

Jason Levangie (Nova Scotia) -

Archita Ghosh (Quebec) -

Tuesday, September 15

9 am

10:30 am

CANADA-AUSTRALIA Networking Breakfast

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Canadian and Australian producers informal gathering, with quick welcome remarks from Telefilm Canada and Screen Australia.

Invite only event.

9:30 am

12:30 pm

Beyond Representation: Building Muslim Cinema for Global Audiences

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Yazmeen Kanji (Moderator)
Aisha Jamal
Sami Sabawi
Shehrezade Mian

Muslim cinema is not a genre, and Muslim audiences are not a single market. This conversation moves beyond the call for better representation to examine the practical work of bringing culturally specific stories from idea to international audience.

Moderated by filmmaker and impact strategist Yazmeen Kanji, the panel brings together creative producer Shehrezade Mian, filmmaker and Open Screenplay co-founder Sami Sabawi, and documentary filmmaker and Hot Docs programmer Aisha Jamal. Drawing on their experience across auteur cinema, documentary, screenwriting platforms, cross-border production, festival programming and audience development, they will explore how filmmakers can protect the specificity of their work while navigating financing, production, technology, festivals and distribution – and how Canada can become a stronger global launch point for Muslim stories.

Presented by Muslim House: MPAC Hollywood Bureau, Muslims in Media, M Film Lab, Inspirit Foundation, Canada Race Relations Foundation

Speakers

Yazmeen Kanji (Moderator) -

Aisha Jamal -

Sami Sabawi -

Shehrezade Mian -

9:30 am

12:30 pm

Who Gets to Shape the Story?

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Abubakar Khan (Moderator)
Mark Strong
Ginella Massa
Shireen Ahmed

Public narratives are shaped long before, and far beyond, what appears onscreen. They are shaped by who produces and distributes stories, who sits behind the anchor desk, who reports on sport, who holds the microphone in an arena, and who builds trust with audiences and communities.

Moderated by Canadian feature film producer Abubakar Khan, this panel brings together broadcaster Ginella Massa, sports journalist Shireen Ahmed, and Toronto Raptors in-arena host Mark Strong. Drawing on their experiences across journalism, sport, broadcasting, live entertainment and community engagement, they will examine what it means to move from visibility to influence: setting the agenda, defining the frame, reaching audiences and creating pathways for those who follow. How can media professionals bring their identities into their work without being reduced to them – and how can breakthrough moments become lasting institutional change?

Presented by Muslim House: MPAC Hollywood Bureau, Muslims in Media, M Film Lab, Inspirit Foundation, Canada Race Relations Foundation

Speakers

Abubakar Khan (Moderator) -

Mark Strong -

Ginella Massa -

Shireen Ahmed -

9:30 am

12:30 pm

Fireside Chat with Fawzia Mirza and Amber Fares

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Rolla Tahir (Moderator)
Fawzia Mirza
Amber Fares

Moderated by filmmaker and Toronto Arab Film co-founder Rolla Tahir, this fireside chat brings together award-winning filmmakers Amber Fares and Fawzia Mirza, whose work is grounded in specific characters, families and communities while engaging larger questions of identity, migration, gender, power and belonging.

Moving between documentary and narrative filmmaking, independent features and television, and personal histories and international events, they will discuss how filmmakers transform lived experience into cinematic storytelling. The conversation will explore building trust with subjects and collaborators, portraying communities without reducing individuals to symbols, navigating the expectations attached to culturally specific work, and protecting a distinctive creative voice while reaching international audiences. It will also examine the practical pathways through which ambitious stories move from development to production, festivals, distribution and long-term audience engagement.

Presented by Muslim House: MPAC Hollywood Bureau, Muslims in Media, M Film Lab, Inspirit Foundation, Canada Race Relations Foundation

Speakers

Rolla Tahir (Moderator) -

Fawzia Mirza -

Amber Fares -

12 pm

4:30 pm

Black Creatives at the Market: Henri Pardo in Conversation

Canada Pavilion - Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Henri Pardo

Conversation on Stage with Henri Pardo followed by open networking with Black Creatives.

Presented by the Black Screen Office.