
Theatrical exhibition program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Funding for commercial exhibitors of films
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $30,000
Timeline
- Open Date : October 23, 2023
- Closing date : November 7, 2023
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
Get funding to cover promotional expenses for the theatrical release of Canadian films in theatres, based on the performance of the films you have exhibited in the past year.
Financing terms and conditions
This program provides financial support to theatrical exhibitors to promote Canadian films and adapt to current digital needs. Funding is structured to ensure exhibitors have assistance with promotional and operational expenses.
- Maximum funding allocation of $30,000 per theatre and $500,000 per corporate group.
- Funding aimed at covering promotional costs for Canadian film releases and adapting business models.
- Eligible for costs related to increased health and safety protocols.
- No requirement for calculating based on previous screenings and admissions, with funding automatically allocated according to program criteria.
Activities funded
Eligible projects for the Theatrical Exhibition Program focus on the promotion and exhibition of Canadian feature films across Canada. The activities aim to invigorate the theatrical landscape by enhancing the visibility and accessibility of Canadian cinema.
- Theatrical exhibition programming exclusively for Canadian feature films.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 25,000
Promoting Canadian films for an underrepresented audience
$ 30,000
Revamping theatrical experiences for Canadian films
$ 25,000
Promoting Canadian documentaries with an emphasis on local culture
$ 20,000
Increasing visibility of Canadian films through strategic partnerships
$ 27,000
Expanding the reach of Canadian indie films
$ 27,000
Enhancing the appeal of rural cinemas for Canadian films
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements that focus on the applicant's business operations and location.
- The applicant must be a company acting as a commercial exhibitor in the theatrical exhibition industry.
- The head office of the company must be located in Canada.
- The company must carry out their exhibition activities within Canada.
- The company must have a ticket and box-office reporting system that complies with audiovisual industry standards.
Who is eligible?
Companies acting as commercial exhibitors that:- Have their head office in Canada.- Carry out their activities in Canada.- Have a ticket and box-office reporting system that complies with audiovisual industry standards.
Eligible expenses
This grant supports the theatrical exhibition of Canadian feature films across Canada. The focus is on promotional activities and adapting business models to enhance the Canadian film experience in theatres.
- Screening of Canadian feature films in theatres.
- Promotion of Canadian films to attract audiences to theatres.
- Implementation of health and safety protocols for cinema operations.
- Transformation of business models to incorporate digital needs and reach wider audiences.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to theatrical exhibitors with their head office in Canada, reinforcing the national focus. Companies must operate within Canadian borders to qualify for this financial support program.
- Exhibitors headquartered in Canada.
- Organizations conducting their activities domestically within Canada.
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Applicant's head office and activities in Canada
- Compliance with audiovisual industry standards
- Programming of Canadian films
How to apply
1
Review Eligibility and Guidelines
- Read the updated Guidelines document and Essential Information Guide for detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions.
- Ensure your organization meets all eligibility criteria, including the requirement to have a head office in Canada and conduct activities within Canada.
2
Gather Required Documents
- Collect all necessary documents listed under the List of Required Documents for the Theatrical Exhibition Program.
- Prepare the Declaration Form for Canadian Films if applicable.
- Ensure your ticket and box-office reporting system complies with industry standards.
3
Register and Log In
- If you are not already registered, create an account on the Dialogue portal.
- Log into the Dialogue portal to access the application system.
4
Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the application form available on the Dialogue portal.
- Provide detailed information about your organization and your planned activities for Canadian film exhibition.
5
Submit the Application
- Review your application thoroughly to ensure all fields are completed and documents are attached.
- Submit the completed application through the Dialogue portal before the closing date and time (November 06, 2023, 11:59 PM EST).
6
Confirmation of Submission
- Receive confirmation of your application submission from Dialogue.
- Keep the confirmation for your records along with the application reference number.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- IT support for applications is only available on business days until 5:00 pm EST.
- The program includes funding intended to cover promotional costs, health and safety protocols, and digital transformation expenses to attract audiences back to theatres.
- Telefilm Canada has suspended the funding calculation based on the number of screenings and admissions to Canadian films in previous years, opting for an automatic allocation method in accordance with program criteria.
- The maximum funding allocated is $30,000 per theatre and $500,000 per corporate group as previously outlined in changes from 2021-2022.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Theatrical exhibition program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Theatrical exhibition 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.
What is the Theatrical exhibition program?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Theatrical exhibition program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Theatrical exhibition program?
Who is eligible for the Theatrical exhibition program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Theatrical exhibition program?
Where is the Theatrical exhibition program available?

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