We, the Association of Independent Film Distributors of Quebec (RDIFQ), would like to express our full support for h264 following its recent position regarding the crucial issues of financing the export of cinematographic works. The challenge raised by h264 in the media on February 21, 2024 highlights a reality that we, as an industry, all face: the imperative need for sustainable and strengthened support for exporters of our films, short and feature films.
h264 has just received emergency support of $45,000 from Quebec Minister of Culture and Communications, Mathieu Lacombe, but this aid is only a salve on the wound. To stabilize our industry in the long term, the sector needs hundreds of thousands of dollars remitted annually and on a recurring basis for the export of short and long films.
This issue affects not only h264, but our entire ecosystem. Several other distributors and exporters are in extremely precarious situations. It is essential to recognize the vital importance of a renewed institutional commitment, particularly at the federal level, where the absence of support programs specific to exports limits our ability to disseminate our works on the international scene. Not only that, we believe that it is time to act and hope that the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pascale St-Onge, will quickly take action in this direction through Telefilm Canada.
The RDIFQ requests an emergency meeting with the institutions concerned in order to review export financing and investment models. This dialogue is crucial to ensure the maintenance and prosperity of our cinematographic culture internationally.
Quebec cinema has immense potential for influence beyond our borders. It is important to support the expertise of local sales agents to avoid our content being solely represented by international companies. With the help of our governments, we can overcome obstacles and continue to enrich the world’s cultural diversity with our films.
To date, almost no programs support the export of short and feature films, which undermines cinematographic exports, even though they are a link in the chain that generates a significant return on investment in the industry. It is therefore not an expenditure for the public authorities.
We call on our members, our partners, the entire film industry and all movie fans to rally to our cause. Your support and voice are more important than ever for the film industry to maintain its essential and unique expertise in exporting culture abroad.