Telefilm Cancels Canada House Presence at SXSW Amid Political Tensions

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Canada’s primary film funder, Telefilm Canada (which is part of the Canadian federal government), has decided not to hold their Canada House event at the 2025 South by Southwest Conference and Festival due to the escalating political issues between neighboring countries.

At the Austin, Texas media festival, Canada House has always served as my go-to spot, bringing together Canadian content creators, musicians, movie distributors, and various industry heavyweights eager to connect, negotiate international deals, and acquire financing from overseas collaborators.

However, SXSW 2021 aligns with the potential imposition of a 25% tariff on goods exported from Canada and Mexico to the US by the Trump administration.

Or:

This year’s SXSW takes place at the same time as the Trump administration’s proposed 25% tariff on exports from Canada and Mexico to the US.

Telefilm Canada stated to The Hollywood Reporter that they must temporarily halt operations at Canada House because essential financial partners have pulled out. This move was necessitated due to the inability to maintain the required level of investments, as partnerships are crucial for their financial stability.

A representative from a financing company based in Canada declined to discuss the motives behind the withdrawal of backing by usual associates connected with Canada House. Notably, Telefilm Canada organizes Canadian industry exhibits to highlight domestic productions and abilities at various international film markets such as the European Film Market in Berlin, Cannes Film Festival, MIPTV and MIPCOM, as well as the Toronto Film Festival, just to name a few.

This year, among those withdrawing their backing for Canada House at SXSW includes the Canadian Independent Music Association – a professional body representing the Canadian independent music sector.

Concurrently, Telefilm Canada will persist in supporting the financing of the Canadian Innovation Lounge during the 2025 SXSW event.

The federal government agency, Telefilm, is dedicated to promoting and honoring Canadian creativity at SXSW. We plan to stay active, assisting Canadian filmmakers whose works are chosen, and networking within the industry at the Canadian Innovation Lounge,” the statement from the agency read.

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2025-02-25 02:54