Mary Sexton

Producer
Rink Rat Productions

“We need to keep telling good stories. Good, unapologetic, Canadian stories.

All parts of Canada included. We just made an indie Newfoundland film titled Skeet, and it was held over at Cineplex for eight weeks, a record for us. Audiences connected to the local story because our film mirrored real life in Newfoundland. Simply put, the film was relatable.”

Marsha Greene

Writer/Showrunner

“It feels more important than ever to protect our cultural sovereignty and safeguard the rights and values of this nation. Canadian film and television have a huge impact on defining, reflecting and informing our culture to Canadian citizens and across the world, and the content we make gives us the opportunity to lead by example, rather than follow by fear.

We need investment—not just financial, though that is vitally important, but investment in Canadian talent.

We need to nurture Canadian artists, create more opportunities for them to stay and work in this country, and believe that their talent can compete in a global market.”

Kyle Irving

Co-Owner and Executive Producer
Eagle Vision

“Film and television are powerful tools for telling Canadian stories— they reflect who we are, foster national unity and ensure diverse voices, including Indigenous, francophone and regional perspectives, are seen and heard. A strong commitment to Canadian content protects us from cultural dilution, strengthens our democratic values and secures our place in the global conversation on our own terms.

As we modernize our regulatory and funding frameworks, we have a critical opportunity to set the terms for a thriving, future-ready sector. This includes ensuring that global streaming giants contribute meaningfully to the system, not only by helping to finance Canadian content, but by partnering with Canadian producers in ways that allow us to retain intellectual property and benefit from the long-term revenue of our work.

Getting this right means building a sustainable ecosystem where Canadian stories, talent and businesses can flourish at home and compete on the world stage.”

Jennifer Holness

President
Hungry Eyes Media

Recently, Canada has had to declare its fundamental right to be a nation and define what being Canadian means. I’m proud to be Canadian at this moment in time. I recently produced a thriller movie, 40 Acres, that centres a Black and Indigenous family in the narrative. Now, I’m not saying this has never been done before, but I haven’t seen it! So, I think that 40 Acres is a uniquely Canadian story that is also universal. I think that’s worth protecting. Producers know that there are thousands of original stories out there to go alongside the rinse and repeats of what Hollywood largely generates.

If you build it, they will come. Give us the same resources, and I believe it!”

Shant Joshi

President and Executive Producer
Fae Pictures

“As we begin to see the contraction of Hollywood driven by new governmental policies and shifting consumer habits, the ability to create partnerships across borders will be crucial to our sustainability.

A strong and sustainable future for Canadian content necessitates a thorough re-evaluation of our cultural policy concerning international collaboration. As a country built by its Indigenous, settler and immigrant populations, and in a time of rising division and geopolitical conflict, Canada’s culturally unique identity, people and content can play an essential role in nurturing social unity and cohesion.”

Hilary Hart

Co-President

Game Theory Films

As a distributor, a major concern for us in the changing market is that we ensure a future where Canadian IP remains Canadian controlled, and early investment in feature films is encouraged and incentivized. Without support for independent producers within Canada, we risk losing our best talent.

Canadian feature films give new and diverse voices a chance to share their stories on a global scale.

Ensuring a healthy film ecosystem is not only critical for the thousands of Canadians who work in the film industry, but for all Canadians who deserve the opportunity to see their vibrant culture reflected on screen. Canadians are acutely aware in this moment of their unique identity, and film and television are a powerful tool for sharing our culture not only at home, but abroad.”

Jennifer Pun

Producer
Edge Entertainment

“I am a proud first-generation Canadian. I’ve seen firsthand the mosaic that Canada has weaved and waves as its multicultural flag. We have a powerful southern neighbour, but we are uniquely Canadian. We are a culture, a business practice, a personality and a voice that is embraced and welcomed internationally.

Canada’s cultural sovereignty is worth protecting because it is also our competitive advantage.

It is the reason foreign professionals want to move to Canada and why international companies want to work with Canadians. Canada has the most film and TV production treaties in the world. This makes international partnerships second nature. Now more than ever, Canada’s partnerships are being tested, and increasing relations outside of the US is more important to remain competitive and sovereign.”

Brian Hamilton

CEO
Omnifilm Entertainment

“Canada’s cultural sovereignty is the foundation of our identity as a nation. Now more than ever, we need to pull together and defend our values.

Telling Canadian stories is one of the most powerful ways to bind our country together. While we modernize Canada’s screen-based entertainment industry, it’s imperative to maintain and grow original commissions. As linear declines, more of these commissions will need to come from global streamers.

Regulation has an important role to play, but our industry also needs to develop new talent and take more creative risks in order to earn our place on screens around the world.”