Filmmakers and industry leaders gather in Montreal to explore cross-border opportunities in audiovisual storytelling.
The Global Lens Forum – India & Canada in Creative Collaboration, hosted by the High Commission of India, Ottawa, was held in Montreal, Canada, bringing together filmmakers, media leaders, and industry experts to explore opportunities for cross-border collaboration in the creative sector.
In his address, H.E. Mr. Dinesh K Patnaik, High Commissioner of India to Canada, highlighted the immense potential of India–Canada co-productions. He emphasized that such collaborations can deepen cultural exchange, celebrate diversity, and strengthen the audiovisual industries of both countries. He also noted that these partnerships open doors to global audiences, create new market opportunities, and contribute to economic growth, skill development, and international competitiveness.
He encouraged creators to make full use of the India–Canada Audio-Visual Co-production Agreement to unlock opportunities for impactful storytelling that resonates across borders.
The event also featured a panel discussion titled “Exploring Co-production Opportunities,” which included filmmakers, a legal expert, and the High Commissioner. Panelists shared insights on filming experiences in India and Canada, production infrastructure, and professional connections built through platforms such as the WAVES Summit.
The discussion further covered key legal considerations, the importance of strong contractual frameworks, and incentives available under the co-production agreement, offering practical guidance for creators interested in international collaboration.
The forum concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, followed by a showcase of film trailers from participating filmmakers, highlighting the growing potential of India–Canada partnerships in the global media landscape.
Source: High Commission of India, Ottawa
