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International Promotion Program – Distribution Support

International film distribution support

Offered by
Telefilm Canada
Official source: telefilm.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 5,000 - $ 90,000
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
February 9, 2027
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Canadian production companies that have sold the rights to exploit an eligible project in one or more foreign territories.
See full eligibility

Overview

Telefilm’s International Promotion Program – Distribution Support provides a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $90,000 per project to Canadian production companies for Canadian feature films released in foreign territories. It supports promotional campaigns, theatrical trailers, advertising, premieres, publicist fees, DCP creation, marketing materials, subtitling or dubbing, and travel for key creative team members.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$90,000
Minimum funding
$5,000
Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Develop an online presence
  • Access new markets
  • Launch or market a product/service

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Canada
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
For-profit business

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 2

Latest changes

Distribution Support dates and documents updated

The Distribution Support page now shows new key dates, and the International Distribution Strategy document link points to a new file path.

See more

The International Promotion Program – Distribution Support page now shows Opening April 14, 2026 at 8:00 AM EST and Closing February 09, 2027 at 11:59 PM EST, replacing the previously shown July 03, 2025 and February 11, 2026 dates. The application documents section also points to updated 2026 file paths for the Essential Information Guide, List of required documents, and International Distribution Strategy, while the submission method remains through Dialogue.

Official source: telefilm.ca
July 11, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Canadian production companies that have sold the rights to exploit an eligible project in one or more foreign territories.
  • Canadian-controlled corporations with a head office in Canada.

Eligible expenses

  • Costs related to the promotional campaign for the release of the project in the territory included in the funding application.
  • Costs related to the creation of the theatrical trailer, print and online advertising, posters, the premiere event, publicist fees, DCP creation and other marketing materials.
  • Costs related to the subtitling or dubbing of the project in a third language.
  • Travel expenses of the Canadian producer, director, screenwriter and/or lead actor to participate in the promotional campaign in the territory listed in the application.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Costs already covered by another organization, company, entity or program.
  • Applications where only travel expenses are claimed.

Activities funded

  • Promotional campaign for the release of the project in the territory included in the funding application.
  • Travel of the Canadian producer, director, screenwriter and/or lead actor to participate in the promotional campaign in the territory listed in the application.

How to apply

  • Complete the online application form and upload the required documents using Dialogue.
  • Submit all required documents with the application form at the time of submission.
  • Submit the application before the theatrical release of the project in the territory listed in the application.

Documents Needed

  • Declaration of Canadian Status of Corporation and Corporate Information, only for organizations that do not have a Dialogue account.
  • International Distribution Strategy.

Selection criteria

  • Quality and viability of the international distribution strategy, including promotion to audiences in a specific territory, number of screens targeted and number of cities.
  • Distribution potential of the film and its ability to reach audiences abroad, including selection at key festivals and markets, projected box office and digital release.
  • Contribution of the foreign distribution company, including the level of the minimum guarantee, and alignment of the promotional budget with the proposed activities.
  • Track record of the Canadian producer, the foreign distribution company and the creative team, as well as the attachment of a sales agent if applicable.
  • Telefilm’s objective to foster a diversity of voices and fund a balanced portfolio of projects reflecting a variety of genres, budgets, company sizes, regions across the country and viewpoints.

Processing and Agreement

  • Incomplete applications may be automatically rejected.
  • Telefilm may request all supporting documents for the costs claimed.
  • Telefilm may be reimbursed for any amount representing the difference between the costs claimed and the eligible costs actually spent.
  • Costs deemed ineligible, excessive, inflated or unreasonable may result in an adjustment of the funding amount.

Additional information

  • Acceptance and adherence to Telefilm’s Code of conduct for business partners is mandatory for all applicants and is a condition to the continuation of any activity with Telefilm.
  • Telefilm has full discretion in the application and interpretation of these guidelines.

Contacts

coordination@telefilm.ca
438-806-4865

Official sources

International Promotion Program - Distribution Support

Program guide

Canada Feature FILM FUND (2018)Essential Information Guide (2026)Export Assistance Program (2023)

Application form

Declaration of Canadian Status of the Organization and Corporate Information

Supporting document

Export Assistance ProgramInternational Distribution StrategyList of Required Documents
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Frequently Asked Questions about the International Promotion Program – Distribution Support Program

What is the International Promotion Program – Distribution Support?

Telefilm’s International Promotion Program – Distribution Support provides a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $90,000 per project to Canadian production companies for Canadian feature films released in foreign territories. It supports promotional campaigns, theatrical trailers, advertising, premieres, publicist fees, DCP creation, marketing materials, subtitling or dubbing, and travel for key creative team members.

How much funding can be received?

International Promotion Program – Distribution Support Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $90,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program is February 9, 2027. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.

Who is eligible for the International Promotion Program – Distribution Support program?

To be eligible for the International Promotion Program – Distribution Support program, you must: The applicant must be the producer of an eligible project and a Canadian-controlled corporation with a head office in Canada. The applicant must have sold the rights to exploit an eligible project in one or more foreign territories under an agreement with a minimum guarantee of at least $5,000 and a release commitment within one year. The project must have received production financing from Telefilm and must not have been theatrically released in the application territory before submission.

What expenses are eligible under International Promotion Program – Distribution Support?

Costs related to the promotional campaign for the release of the project in the territory included in the funding application. Costs related to the creation of the theatrical trailer, print and online advertising, posters, the premiere event, publicist fees, DCP creation and other marketing materials. Costs related to the subtitling or dubbing of the project in a third language. Travel expenses of the Canadian producer, director, screenwriter and/or lead actor to participate in the promotional campaign in the territory listed in the application.

Who can I contact for more information about the International Promotion Program – Distribution Support?

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

Where is the International Promotion Program – Distribution Support available?

The International Promotion Program – Distribution Support program is available across Canada.