11.2 Film festivals

In recent years, many of the film festivals that traditionally acted as markets for the selling of independent productions to distributors have evolved into more sophisticated marketing and sales operations. Festivals are now often a means of building word-of-mouth and interest by actively cultivating audiences ahead of a theatrical release, as well as providing the forum for industry practitioners to engage with each other and filmmakers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, most festivals accelerated their pivoting towards digital engagement with audiences and delegates, either exclusively or in combination with live events. However, in 2023, most festivals resumed their live audience programming, while maintaining their digital programming as well.

In terms of the value chain that operates in the film and television sector, film festivals often play a key role in mediating the transactions between independent filmmakers and distributors and broadcasters. These significant economic benefits are mostly captured within the distribution and broadcasting segments of the value chain.

Film festivals continue to be an integral element of the film sector ecosystem, with hundreds spread all across Canada, covering a broad range of genres. There are genuinely global festivals such as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), operating in the company of Cannes, Venice, and Sundance; world-leading specialist film festivals such as the Ottawa International Animation Festival, Hot Docs’ Canadian International Documentary Festival, imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival; and popular genre festivals, such as Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival, which continue to attract large audiences.

In 2024/25, as part of its support for the promotion of Canadian films, Telefilm Canada provided $7.3 million in financial support to 111 Canadian film festivals and 71 industry events and initiatives in Canada.^[28] Of the 111 supported film festivals, 42 were in the regions^[29] and 35 were focused on diversity and inclusion.^[30] As part of $7.9 million in financial support for national and international promotional activities, Telefilm Canada also supported Canadian films screening or marketed at 41 international festivals, markets and events.^[31]

Total box office revenue fell by 6.1% to $835 million in 2024, and then increased slightly (0.2%) to $837 million in 2025. Canadian films’ share of total box office revenue in Canada fell 51.0% to between 2023 and 2025, dropping from $29 million to $14 million.