The Canada Pavilion at MIPCOM 2024 is set to make a strong impression with the largest stand at the Palais, located at Riviera 8 (R8.E1)! And Canada’s got the delegation to match, hosting over 60 companies and around 110 participants.
Projects from Canada are also making waves at this year’s MIPCOM Cannes Diversify TV Excellence Awards, which will be held on October 22. The MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence Awards honours inclusive programming that offer positive representations of diversity, with submissions from across the globe. Five Canadian series are finalists, showcasing groundbreaking work in representation across disability, LGBTQIA+, and children’s programming. Along with the Canada Media Fund, Telefilm Canada is a Presenter Partner at this year’s awards.
Learn more about the five series nominated!
Representation of Disability - Scripted
- Original Broadcaster: AMI-tv
- Distributors: Hitsby Entertainment Inc. and Shadow Pine Studios.
- Production Companies: TSW Productions Inc. and Hitsby Entertainment Inc.
The Squeaky Wheel is a half-hour sketch comedy series that satirizes the ableist society that people with disabilities face every day. Presented by Canadian disabled writers and performers, the show blends social commentary with humor, flipping clichés to showcase disability in a new light. Its approach offers a refreshing take on societal norms, leaving audiences both laughing and reflecting.
Representation of LGBTQIA+ Non-Scripted
Y a une étoile (There’s a star)
- Original Broadcaster: UNIS TV
- Distributor: Filmoption International inc
- Production Company: Bellefeuille Production
There’s a Star follows Samuel LeBlanc, a young transgender musician, as he embarks on a musical journey through the work of Acadian artist Angèle Arsenault. The documentary-musical hybrid explores the question of queer Acadian identity, primarily in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Samuel and his friends uncover stories of LGBTQ2S+ individuals who, determined to embrace their differences, navigate life in rural communities without sacrificing their cultural roots or identity.
Representation of Diversity in Kids Programming - Older Children
- Original Broadcaster: Family Channel
- Distributor: Sinking Ship Entertainment
- Production Companies: Sinking Ship Entertainment, Leif Films and Saga Films
Beyond Black Beauty is a multi-generational coming-of-age story inspired by the classic novel. The series follows fifteen-year-old equestrian Jolie Dumont, whose life in Europe is turned upside down when she moves to her mother’s childhood ranch in Baltimore. Struggling to find her place, Jolie bonds with a spirited horse named Black Beauty and discovers the deep family legacy of Black cowboys. This series is a coproduction between Canada and Belgium.
- Original Broadcasters: TVO and Knowledge
- Distributors: Lopii Productions and Bomanbridge Media
- Production Company: Lopii Productions
Dream It To Be It! is an empowering, kid-led series where children of all abilities explore their potential and passions. With the guidance of host Tai, participants embark on fun, interactive challenges and learn from real experts about their dream careers. Each episode inspires kids to believe in their abilities, showing them that if they dream it, they can be it.
Representation of Diversity in Kids Programming - Pre-School
Wordsville
- Original Broadcasters: TVOkids and PBS Thirteen
- Distributor: Sinking Ship Entertainment
- Production Company: Sinking Ship Entertainment
Wordsville is a live-action literacy mystery series for kids aged four to seven, following Word Detectives Gabby and Sly as they solve word-related mysteries in their kid-run town of Wordville. Through exciting adventures, young viewers are encouraged to build their literacy in a playful and engaging way.
