For the distribution of French films in Canada

Comœdia has on several occasions addressed the possibilities for expansion offered to French production in Canada. Here is a new opportunity provided to our publishers to exhibit their films, to have them appreciated and therefore to see them purchased in this friendly country.

My colleague and friend Mr. Max Rateau writes to me on this subject:

You have always been very active in the distribution of French films abroad. I come to bring you today a new opportunity to develop a flow of exchange with a country where French film has very good chances of success

You are aware that on August 23, the 466th international fair will open in Toronto (Canada), and that, for the second time, a French section (sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, etc., under the chairmanship of Senator G. Menier) will feature prominently.

The Canadian Committee for this exhibition has just issued authorization to screen cinematographic films in the French section itself. I therefore believe that there is an excellent opportunity to open the Canadian market directly to French production, which has until now been included, but wrongly, in the United States market.

The two races and the two Canadian mentalities (French Canadians and English Canadians) both profess equal sympathy for France. The province of Quebec is completely acquired by us, and loves everything that is French art and production. The eight English provinces love us equally, and proved it to us during the war by the enormous sacrifices of men and money they made; Unfortunately, they only have very distant contact with us, and have passed through English, American and especially German-American filters. Their most ardent desire is to be in direct contact with us, but no one has agreed until now to make the necessary efforts, because we do not know the Canadians, and we do not suspect the desire that they themselves have to get closer to us.

The Canadian film market is proportionally just as important as that of the United States. The number of performance halls is considerable; publishing firms, on the other hand, are very few in number, and production is itself very limited. Canada is supplied with films by the United States, because this country alone takes care of supplying them.

The screen that the French section of the Toronto International Fair will have from August 23 to September 6 will be seen by the 1,500,000 visitors to the Fair. Several films can be shown each day, because the Fair is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. without interruption. This is therefore an excellent opportunity to present the creations of our great cinematographic artists directly to the Canadian public.

Furthermore, five days before the official opening of the Fair, the French section will be open for buyers only, apart from the public. The Committee of the French section has obtained duty-free entry for films intended to be screened at the Fair, the costs for French producers will therefore be extremely reduced. I think that film producers will take advantage of this facility to show Canadian audiences what we are capable of here, and I have no doubt that it will be successful.

I would be very happy, as far as I am concerned, to centralize the requests of interested parties in Paris, to have their films viewed by Mr. Paul Balbaud, secretary general of the committee, very aware of the Canadian mentality, and who will immediately designate those who can succeed in Canada. Please, etc.

MAX RATEAU.