Quebec Cinema on the Rise, Powered by SODEC’s Strategic Support
From local box office growth to international visibility, Quebec’s audiovisual sector continues to thrive thanks to robust funding and a clear cultural mission led by SODEC.
Quebec Cinema’s Quiet Boom: SODEC at the Heart of the Industry’s Growth
With 2 million admissions for Quebec-made films in 2024 — a 15% increase over the previous year — the province’s cinema is enjoying a promising resurgence. That success, both domestic and global, owes much to the strategic backing of SODEC (Société de développement des entreprises culturelles du Québec), the government-funded agency that has become the backbone of Quebec’s cultural industries.
“We know Quebecers like to see themselves on screen — it’s a powerful reflection of who we are,” says Johanne Larue, Director of Film and Television Production at SODEC. That cultural connection is translating into strong audience engagement and an increasingly prominent presence on the international scene.
Public Funding as an Engine for Creativity
Founded in 1996, SODEC is a 100% publicly funded organization that supports Quebec’s creative sectors — from literature and music to film and television. In 2024 alone, it received CAD 150 million (approx. €92.8 million) in government support, with CAD 82.4 million (€51 million) dedicated to audiovisual projects. “That’s the lion’s share of our budget,” Larue confirms.
Her department oversees development programs for local production companies, applying strict criteria: the team must be Quebec-based, and the project must meet “Quebec content” requirements. “We look at script quality, directorial vision, and the project’s potential to resonate at home and abroad. Competition is intense — this year we received 84 feature film proposals and could only support 14.”
Each year, SODEC supports around 20 feature films, as well as a similar number of shorts and documentaries, through a variety of funding streams — from production to promotion and emerging talent programs. “Our emerging creator program is specifically designed for filmmakers who haven’t yet professionally produced a fiction feature,” Larue adds.
Centering Diversity and Women’s Voices
SODEC has also made equity a cornerstone of its strategy, prioritizing projects from underrepresented communities and female filmmakers. “Women have truly revolutionized Quebec cinema,” Larue says. “Their perspectives enrich both our contemporary culture and cinematic legacy.”
Building International Bridges
Élaine Dumont, SODEC’s Director of International Affairs for film and TV, leads the agency’s export strategy. Between 2023 and 2024, SODEC dedicated CAD 11 million (€6.8 million) to international efforts, with CAD 4.2 million (€2.6 million) earmarked for audiovisual projects alone.
A former screenwriter, producer, and director, Dumont emphasizes the importance of creating market opportunities. “We work to open new markets and set up meetings with buyers,” she says. Upcoming stops include the Gothenburg Film Festival in January and meetings with the Moroccan Cinema Center to explore potential co-productions.
For Dumont, Quebec’s spotlight at Angoulême is primarily a showcase opportunity for talent. “It’s more of a cultural and artistic event than a market, so we’ll focus our co-production strategies on Cannes and the francophone co-production meetings in Luxembourg later this year.”
A Promising But Uneven Partnership with France
SODEC’s formal partnership with France’s CNC, launched in 2017, was a major milestone — especially during COVID. “When insurance companies stopped covering shoots in Quebec, the CNC stepped in,” says Dumont. “Their help was essential. We were the first in Canada to resume production.”
Still, the collaboration hasn’t resulted in a dedicated fund for bilateral co-productions. “France often takes the lead in joint projects, and the CNC supports those,” Larue explains. “But when Quebec is the majority producer, there’s no reciprocal funding mechanism.”
Facing the Streaming Disruption
Like elsewhere, Quebec’s theatrical ecosystem continues to face pressure from streaming platforms. SODEC is responding with tailored initiatives. “We’re working on activities tied to cinemas and exploring new ways to brand youth films more effectively,” Dumont notes. “Cinema is now in everyone’s living room — but Quebec film has something rare: authenticity. That’s exactly what international audiences are seeking.”