Making Connections at the Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF)
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) has launched a new video series, “East Coast in Focus,” which debuts at the Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF) in Halifax. The series explores what makes Atlantic Canada such a distinct, collaborative, and influential production hub. Host Gaëlle Essoo engages with creators, industry leaders, and community builders to delve into the unique aspects of Atlantic Canada’s film and television scene.
AIFF Partners, the focal point of the festival, serves as a boutique co-production market that facilitates connections between creators and investors, promoting new international collaborations. Chrissy King-Lopes, the Industry Director at AIFF, emphasizes the festival’s intimate networking opportunities, meaningful matchmaking, and genuine Maritime hospitality that set it apart.
Moving beyond AIFF, the series delves into the broader Atlantic ecosystem, shedding light on the thriving production sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. Laura Churchill from PictureNL underscores how government support and local television successes drive the vibrant industry in the region. Additionally, Erica Meus-Saunders of the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative discusses the importance of community-building, training initiatives, and inclusive spaces for emerging filmmakers.
Valerie Creighton, President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund (CMF), shares insights on the CMF’s dedication to amplifying Atlantic voices across the globe and its longstanding relationship with AIFF. In a unique perspective, filmmaker Stephanie Joline highlights the advancements in Indigenous and women’s representation within the filmmaking community and the strong sense of solidarity and pride that characterizes smaller film communities.
The Canada Media Fund is at the forefront of fostering, financing, and promoting Canadian content across various audiovisual platforms. By nurturing industry innovation, rewarding success, encouraging diversity of voice, and facilitating access to content through strategic partnerships, the CMF aims to position Canadian content competitively in the global landscape. Drawing financial support from the Government of Canada and local broadcast distributors, the CMF plays a pivotal role in bolstering the Canadian screen industry.
With a commitment of $346M for 2025-2026, the CMF reinforces its dedication to supporting Canadian content creators and advancing the country’s screen industry. As the CMF continues to evolve, explore, and innovate, the future holds immense promise for Canada’s vibrant film and television landscape.