Indigenous content speaks to the world at MIPCOM

MONTREAL and TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canada Media Fund (CMF) and Telefilm Canada are featuring the talent and producers behind the hit series Mohawk Girls at this year's MIPCOM, taking place from October 16 to 19 in Cannes. They will take part in a showcase entitled "Indigenous Content that Speaks to the World," presented with the participation of Screen Australia, which is itself featuring The Warriors, an Australian Indigenous production.

"Canadian Indigenous productions are increasingly popular, both at home and internationally," said Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, CMF. "Thanks to the reputation and know-how of Canadian Indigenous producers, as well as our country's innovation-supporting funding ecosystem, productions such as Mohawk Girls are very well positioned to break through television markets. This is especially true for younger audiences that have an appetite for diverse and unique content in this world without borders. This session in Cannes is also in line with the CMF's ongoing commitment to finance, foster and promote Indigenous production in Canada. Canada and Australia have a long-standing relationship of working together on many fronts and we are pleased to feature some of the great work from down-under, especially given their expertise in supporting Indigenous productions."

"This showcase is the perfect opportunity to highlight the artistic expression of the Indigenous female crew of Mohawk Girls and appreciate their contributions to this new wave that is winning over a generation more interested than ever in content of all genres," said Carolle Brabant, Telefilm Canada's Executive Director. "Telefilm Canada helps promote the development of this content and relies on the invaluable collaboration of countries like Australia to showcase its talent and stories. This diversity at the heart of our identity is one of our greatest treasures."

Indigenous content that appeals to young audiences

Indigenous stories speak to audiences around the world. In particular, younger audiences who are curious, informed, and engaged are discovering the appeal of original and compelling storytelling with a different perspective. Mohawk Girls, hailing from Canada, and The Warriors, an Australian production, will convey the success of Indigenous content and insights about reaching new audiences with Indigenous drama content.    

Mohawk Girls is a half hour comedy about four young women figuring out how to be Mohawk in the 21st century. Filmed and set in Montréal and the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, Mohawk Girls stars Brittany LeBorgne as Zoe, in addition to her sidekicks Caitlin, Anna and Bailey. LeBorgne and Christina Fon, Executive Producer at Rezolution Pictures will present the production to MIPCOM attendees.

Broadcast for five seasons on Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), Mohawk Girls has been nominated for several Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Comedy Series, Best Direction in a Comedy Program or Series, Best Writing in a Comedy Program or Series and Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Comedic Role for LeBorgne. To further celebrate diversity and inclusion, Brittany has been invited as one of the presenters at the TV Excellence Awards ceremony.

The Warriors is a landmark Australian television drama series broadcast on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The series follows the once-great Warriors Football Club, which pins its hopes and dwindling reputation on two young Indigenous players, Zane and Maki, who are plucked from their modest lives to play in the big leagues - the AFL.

Robert Connolly, Producer and Creator at Arenamedia, and Andrew Dillon, Investment Development Manager, Indigenous, Screen Australia will present the project.

Follow the Canada at MIPCOM conversation and related events by using the social media hashtag #eyeoncanada (#vuesurlecanada). To join the conversation on Mohawk Girls and The Warriors use the hashtags #MohawkGirls and #WarriorsABC.

The Canada Pavilion at MIPCOM

The Canada Pavilion is coordinated and funded by Telefilm Canada, in partnership with the Canada Media Fund (CMF), Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), Creative BC, and Manitoba Film & Music. The Pavilion will host some 80 Canadian companies, and a networking reception with international guests will be held on Tuesday, October 17.

About the Canada Media Fund

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, develops, finances and promotes the production of Canadian content and applications for all audiovisual media platforms. The CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment by fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voice and promoting access to content through public and private sector partnerships. The CMF receives financial contributions from the Government of Canada and Canada's cable, satellite and IPTV distributors. Please visit cmf-fmc.ca.

About Telefilm Canada?Inspired by talent. Viewed everywhere.

Celebrating 50 years in 2017, Telefilm is dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada's audiovisual industry. Through funding and promotion programs, Telefilm supports dynamic companies and creative talent at home and around the world. Telefilm also makes recommendations regarding the certification of audiovisual treaty coproductions to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2013, the Talent Fund accepts private donations to principally support emerging talent. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/telefilm_canada and on Facebook at facebook.com/telefilmcanada.

SOURCE Telefilm Canada