TORONTO, May 12, 2025 — A global petition was launched today by representatives from the film and audiovisual sectors across the world, calling on all governments to stand firm and safeguard the systems that support independent film and audiovisual creation so that culture, creativity, and democratic access to diverse stories for the screen can continue to flourish.

There have been more than 100 signatories from across the globe so far, to a declaration that reads, in part:

“Today, the support for independent film and audiovisual storytelling is under growing threat. We are witnessing increasingly aggressive attempts by powerful political and corporate actors to dismantle the regulatory protections that have long supported diversity and accessibility of cultural expression. The latest announcement from US President Trump regarding a plan to impose tariffs on film imports only adds to this threat. It underscores the importance of protecting our ability to tell stories rooted in local cultures, languages, and identities – and to ensure that people everywhere can continue to access and enjoy them. Without these protections and incentives, we will lose a vibrant, diverse and culturally-rich film and audiovisual industry and everyone, everywhere will lose out.

“Films and audiovisual works do not just fuel economic growth and global talent circulation, they reflect who we are as societies and envision who we could become. More than enriching our cultural lives, they are essential to a healthy democracy: they support freedom of expression and give voice to the diverse stories and perspectives of humanity.

“These actions take place alongside wider attacks on pluralism and freedom of expression. If they succeed, it will become increasingly difficult for diverse voices to be heard, for the whole eco-system to create, produce, distribute, promote and exhibit films and audiovisual works successfully, and for local cultures to thrive.

“We therefore firmly oppose any political, legal, or economic initiative that seeks to undermine national or international rules designed to uphold artistic freedom and cultural diversity in the film and audiovisual sector.

“This includes the right of countries to create and maintain their own cultural policies and regulatory systems, which recognise the importance to own, control, and monetize our works’ intellectual property. Such measures form the foundation of a healthy audiovisual ecosystem, allowing the economic value generated by creative works to benefit domestic right-holders, reinforcing the cultural sovereignty of local film and audiovisuals sectors around the world, and supporting the international circulation of diverse, independent film and audiovisual works.”

You can read the full statement here.

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ABOUT THE CMPA

The Canadian Media Producers Association is the national advocacy organization for independent producers, representing hundreds of companies engaged in the development, production, and distribution of English-language content made for television, cinema, and digital media channels. For more than 75 years, the CMPA has worked to promote the continued success of the Canadian production sector and to ensure a bright future for the diverse content made by our members for both domestic and international audiences. cmpa.ca

Gamiela Fereg
Senior Manager, Media Relations & Communications, CMPA
gamiela.fereg@cmpa.ca