India-Canada screen pact signed at Toronto festival market
India's National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the South Asian Screen Council of Canada have signed a Letter of Intent to connect Indian and South Asian filmmakers with opportunities in Canada's screen industry, Variety reported on 17 September 2026.
The signing took place at the market running alongside the Toronto International Film Festival. A Letter of Intent is a written outline of what two organisations plan to do together, rather than a final contract.
The Consul General of India in Toronto witnessed the signing. Representatives of NFDC, SASC Canada and TIFF were also present, according to Variety.
Under the pact, projects that originate with NFDC will be brought into SASC Canada's systems for finding new work, shaping international programmes, building industry contacts and opening doors to the Canadian market. Content discovery here simply means scouting films and talent. Market access means help with meetings, buyers and screen opportunities beyond a festival slot.
The stated aim is a direct pipeline between the Indian and Canadian screen industries. In practice, that means moving films beyond festival discovery and into sustained market and industry engagement in Canada, Variety reported.
SASC Canada is led by president Sunny Gill. Its initiatives include IFFSA Toronto, a festival focused on South Asian film, and the South Asian Screen Office of Canada, which supports industry development. NFDC is led by managing director Prakash Magdum.
This year's Toronto International Film Festival, the 51st edition, is scheduled for 10 to 20 September, according to TIFF. The market runs alongside the public festival, where producers, sales agents and buyers meet to trade films and rights.
What makes this stand out is the focus on the step after selection. A festival screening can introduce a film. The corridor described here is about programme slots, meeting rooms and distribution talks across Canada.
For filmmakers, this means a simpler path to follow. A premiere can catch the eye. This plan is about what happens after. Details on first projects have not been announced.
