Thank you, Lalita.

Mr. Chair and members of the committee, as you prepare your report in advance of budget 2025, we ask you to prioritize funding for the Canadian Independent Screen Fund for Black and People of Colour Creators. By allocating $20 million, the government can support important new and existing projects by Canadian creators.

Our fund is designed by and for Black and racialized creators. CISF supports content reflective of and relevant to Black and racialized communities while also targeting a global audience. Streamers like Netflix have shown that there is a strong appetite for content from regions such as Asia, Mexico, the Middle East and Nigeria, with audiences worldwide tuning in. With the right investment, Canadian creators can produce hit shows and series that not only thrive domestically but also succeed on this global stage.

The CISF has a strong history and legacy as an independent fund in Canada. The fund takes pride in its regional reach, prioritizing support for creators from across the country, ensuring that talent from all regions, including Quebec, is given the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the industry.

According to a series of recent reports, Hollywood forfeits nearly $30 billion annually due to racial inequity and its failure to fully capitalize on opportunities within Black, Asian and Latino markets. Canada, unfortunately, is not faring much better in this regard.

Our fund is designed to support filmmakers and content creators at every stage of their careers, whether emerging, mid-level or senior professionals, ensuring that talent across all experience levels has access to the resources they need to succeed.

We strongly urge you to seize this opportunity by providing stable funding for the CISF with $20 million per year over the next three years. This investment will not only lead to the creation of award-winning films and TV series but will also foster a new generation of talent, ensuring that our industry remains dynamic and globally competitive.

We thank you again for the opportunity to present today, and we welcome your questions.