Export Assistance Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Export Assistance Program Funds up to 90000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Export Assistance Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Export Assistance Program is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Export Assistance Program?

Export Assistance Program is funded by Telefilm Canada, Government of Canada

Q: Who is eligible for the Export Assistance Program program?

To be eligible for the Export Assistance Program program, you must: • Company specializing in theatrical film distribution • Not a sales agent • Owns rights to distribute eligible Canadian project in foreign territories

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Export Assistance Program?

You can contact Telefilm Canada by email at coordination@telefilm.ca or by phone at 438-806-4865.

Q: Where is the Export Assistance Program available?

The Export Assistance Program program is available across Canada.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Export financing for film distribution

At a glance

Eligible Funding

From $3,000 to $90,000

Timeline

Open Date : March 30, 2023

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Get up to $90,000 per project cumulatively, to support the promotion and international marketing strategy of Canadian feature film productions, and increase the recognition of the content and talent abroad.

Financing terms and conditions

Non-repayable financial contribution of up to $90,000 per project (cumulative maximum).
Per territory, funding cannot exceed the lesser of $45,000 or the minimum guarantee paid for acquisition of rights.
In exceptional cases, funding may exceed $45,000 per territory to support a larger theatrical release, but still cannot exceed the minimum guarantee and remains subject to the $90,000 project maximum.
Funding requests under $3,000 are not eligible.

Activities funded

International distribution of eligible Canadian feature films.
Implementation of promotional campaigns for the theatrical release of Canadian feature films in foreign territories.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 90,000

International marketing strategy for the animated film 'Maple Stories' in Europe

$ 90,000

International distribution of the documentary 'Arctic Treasures' in Asia

$ 90,000

Promotional campaign for Canadian film 'Northern Lights' targeting European audiences

$ 90,000

Global marketing campaign for 'Timeless Echoes' aiming at audiences in Latin America

$ 90,000

Funding international distribution of 'Urban Myths' in North America and Europe

$ 90,000

Marketing strategy and promotional campaign for the film 'Wilderness' in South America

Eligibility

The applicant must be a company specializing in the theatrical distribution of films.
The applicant must own the rights to distribute an eligible Canadian feature film in one or more foreign territories.
The applicant must have paid a minimum guarantee of at least $3,000 for the acquisition of the distribution rights in the target territories.
The applicant must be responsible for the effective exploitation of the project in the applicable territories (applications are not accepted for projects that will be sub-distributed by a third party).
The applicant must have developed a marketing plan and be committed to theatrically releasing the project within the upcoming year in those territories.

Who is eligible?

Theatrical distribution companies specializing in the distribution of films

Who is not eligible

Sales agents (companies acting as sales agents for film rights are not eligible).
Companies that do not specialize in the theatrical distribution of films.
Companies applying for a project in a territory where distribution will be sub-distributed by a third party.

Eligible expenses

Travel expenses for Canadian cast and crew members to participate in the promotional campaign, including accommodation, transportation, and meals (up to $12,000, subject to overall limits).
Costs related to the promotional campaign for the film's theatrical release in foreign territories.
Creation of the theatrical trailer.
Print and online advertising, including poster production.
Costs associated with the premiere (launch event) in the foreign territory.
Publicist fees.
Creation of a DCP (Digital Cinema Package).
Production of promotional materials.
Subtitling or dubbing of the film in a third language.

Eligible geographic areas

The eligibility criteria for the Export Assistance Program have been expanded to cover all foreign territories, ensuring broader international participation.

All foreign territories are now considered eligible under the program.

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:

Applicant's experience and track record in international film distribution.
Distribution plan for the Canadian feature film in foreign territories.
Promotional campaign strategy for theatrical release.
Financial plan and budget for international distribution.

How to apply

Review Eligibility and Guidelines

Download and thoroughly review the "Guidelines Export Assistance Program" and "Essential Information Guide" dated March 30, 2023, from the program overview page.
Ensure your theatrical distribution company meets the eligibility criteria.

Prepare Application Documents

Gather required documents including the Declaration of Canadian Status of Corporation, summary of the promotion strategy, and Proof of Payment.
Prepare the Final Audience Performance Report and Declaration of Final Costs.

Register and Access Dialogue

Create or access an account on Dialogue, the online portal for application submission.
Ensure your account details are up-to-date and accurate.

Complete the Application Form

Log into Dialogue and fill out the application form.
Upload all required documents as specified in the application resources section.
Verify the accuracy of all entered information and uploaded documents.

Submit the Application

Submit your completed application through Dialogue before the closing date of the program (currently closed).
Ensure you receive a submission confirmation email for your records.

Additional information

Compliance with program guidelines does not guarantee approval of funding.
Telefilm reserves the right to interpret and adjust program guidelines at its discretion.
All information provided in connection with applications is subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.
Program operations are subject to funding availability from government and other sources.

Documents and links

Export Assistance Program

Contacts

coordination@telefilm.ca

438-806-4865

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Export Assistance Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Export Assistance Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.