Closed
Source verified April 9, 2026
Theatrical exhibition program
Support for Canadian film exhibition in cinemas
Latest source updateLast Update: April 2, 2026Latest change: The application window for the Theatrical Exhibition Program has shifted to May 19 – June 2, 2026, with all primary program documents updated to 2026-2027 versions.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 2, 2026
Latest change: The application window for the Theatrical Exhibition Program has shifted to May 19 – June 2, 2026, with all primary program documents updated to 2026-2027 versions.
Theatrical Exhibition Program: Application Window and Documents Updated for 2026-2027
The Theatrical Exhibition Program has reopened with a significantly shifted application window. The program will now accept submissions from May 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM EDT until June 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT, compared to the previous September 4–26, 2025 window. All core program documents have been updated including the Guidelines, Essential Information Guide, List of Required Documents, Declaration Form for Canadian Films in 2025, Reference List (now covering films through December 31, 2025), and Activity Reports which have been renamed to Final Reporting Declaration forms.
Funding available
$ 10,000
Deadline
June 2, 2026
Opened May 19, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The Theatrical Exhibition Program offers up to $5,000 per theatre and up to $10,000 per corporate group. It supports commercial exhibitors in Canada that program Canadian films and use the funds for promotional expenses and accessibility improvements.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reach a new target audience
- Launch or market a product/service
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Programming Canadian feature films in commercial cinemas.
- Exhibiting Canadian films across theatre locations in Canada.
Documents Needed
- Incorporation documents, if updated since the last Telefilm application.
- Corporate Information Declaration in Dialogue.
- Declaration Form for Canadian Films Screened during the Reference Period.
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Commercial exhibitors.
- Commercial theatre operators in Canada.
- Municipally operated cinemas.
Who is not eligible
- Film distributors.
- Companies without operations in Canada.
Eligible expenses
- Promotional expenses for Canadian film theatrical releases.
- Promotional initiatives to increase Canadian content consumption in theatres.
- Accessibility improvements.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Eligibility against the program guidelines.
- Number of Canadian feature films exhibited in the theatres.
- Number of theatres in the corporate group.
- Number of applications received.
- Availability of funds.
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare the application
- Review the program guidelines and required documents.
- Complete the online application form.
- Step 2: Upload supporting documents
- Upload all required documents through Dialogue.
- Ensure the application form and documents are complete and signed.
- Step 3: Submit through Dialogue
- Submit the application electronically in Dialogue during the opening period.
- Step 4: Respond to follow-up requests
- Provide any missing documents within the deadline if the application is incomplete.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission through Dialogue.
- Incomplete applications may receive a five-business-day notice to submit missing documents.
- Approval is subject to Telefilm’s discretion and available funds.
- If approved, the funding agreement must be signed before payment is made.
- A final activity report is required after the funded period.
Additional information
- Applications must be submitted during the program’s opening period.
- All required documents must be uploaded through Dialogue at the time of submission.
- Telefilm may request additional information at any time.
- Final activity reports are required for funded applicants.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Theatrical exhibition program Program
What is the Theatrical exhibition program?
The Theatrical Exhibition Program offers up to $5,000 per theatre and up to $10,000 per corporate group. It supports commercial exhibitors in Canada that program Canadian films and use the funds for promotional expenses and accessibility improvements.
How much funding can be received?
Theatrical exhibition program Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was June 2, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Theatrical exhibition program program?
To be eligible for the Theatrical exhibition program program, you must:
Commercial theatre operator.
Based and active in Canada.
Meets Canadian film screening requirements.
What expenses are eligible under Theatrical exhibition program?
Programming Canadian feature films in commercial cinemas.
Exhibiting Canadian films across theatre locations in Canada.
Who can I contact for more information about the Theatrical exhibition program?
You can contact Telefilm Canada by email at coordination@telefilm.ca or by phone at 438-806-4865.
Where is the Theatrical exhibition program available?
The Theatrical exhibition program program is available across Canada.