Telefilm Canada, SODEC accepting proposals for ‘inclusive’ Montreal film event

Telefilm Canada and the Quebec provincial cultural ministry Société de développement des enterprises culturelles (SODEC) this week put out a call for proposals for public funding for a "broadly inclusive film event in Quebec." Telefilm Canada chair Charles Belanger tells Canadian Communications Reports that over $1 million is up for grabs, but that amount could trigger an additional $1 million in funding from such organizations as Tourism Quebec and the city of Montreal. The two bodies are looking to fund an innovative film event that would "ensure that homegrown films enjoy a national and international platform in Montreal that offers the best in terms of programming, promotion and business development, including sales and coproduction." The $1 million amount is what was paid this year to the Montreal World Film Festival. That event could be in jeopardy if Telefilm Canada and SODEC divert that funding to another film event in Montreal. The September 7 call for proposals for a film event in Montreal follows the release of a report by Secor Consulting that was commissioned by Telefilm Canada and SODEC. The report was highly critical of Montreal World Film Festival organizers, stating they were not transparent and had strained relations with the local production and distribution industry. The deadline for submitting a proposal is October 8, and a decision is due at the end of that month. Below is an except from the call for proposals. In the current era of global trade, cultural issues are of paramount importance: with nations and governments seeking to ground their legitimacy in a concept of cultural identity, there is increased attention to ensuring the long-term vitality of cultural industries, which are the primary identity vehicles in increasingly international dynamics. As a major vector of identity, as a matchless mirror of creative talent and national cultural values, cinema is central to these issues. This is equally true of its dissemination, since cultural diversity cannot exist in the absence of identity and shared values. In this sense, international film festivals have an essential role to play, both in providing public access to national and foreign works and in promoting filmmakers and the film industry with an eye to sustainable development. …The government funding agencies unanimously agree on the need for a one-of-a-kind event in Montreal that complements other Quebec, Canadian and foreign events. Therefore, Telefilm and SODEC are issuing a call for proposals with a view to financially supporting a Montreal-based film event of international scope that will be an asset for moviegoers and industry professionals. This preferably competitive event will reflect the energy and festive spirit of Montreal’s population. It will also demonstrate that Montreal is a very special city in terms of language and cultural diversity, and a gateway for the international Francophone community. The selected proposal will be innovative, representing a new way of thinking and doing. It will rally local and national film professionals and attract the international industry. It will guarantee effective management and be based on a solid vision of the future that will contribute to growing both the industry and audiences. …The assessment committee, composed of Telefilm Canada and SODEC representatives, will hold standardized meetings with all proposers for the presentation and discussion of the proposals. The committee will score the submitted proposals on the basis of 100 points pertaining to three key concerns: impact of the event, quality of the organization and overall merit of the proposal. It will submit its recommendations to Telefilm Canada and SODEC, after which each agency will render its decision independently. To ensure equitable treatment, Telefilm Canada and SODEC have decided that, once the committee has met with the proposers, there will be no further communication with any proposer until the agencies have made their final decisions. Telefilm Canada and SODEC are under no obligation to accept any of the submitted proposals.

Telefilm Canada, SODEC accepting proposals for ‘inclusive’ Montreal film event

News | 09/10/2004 4:00 am EDT

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