Canada and South Africa Launch New Film Co-Production Treaty 

A modernized audiovisual co-production treaty between Canada and South Africa officially took effect on January 1, 2026, replacing a nearly three-decade-old agreement and opening new opportunities for filmmakers in both nations to collaborate on international projects.

The treaty, signed by Telefilm Canada and the Government of the Republic of South Africa in Cape Town in September 2024, updates the legal framework that has governed joint film and television productions between the two countries since the original agreement was established on November 5, 1997.

Under the new agreement, approved co-productions will be recognized as national productions in both Canada and South Africa simultaneously. This dual national status is significant because it grants filmmakers access to domestic funding programs, tax incentives, and regulatory benefits that are typically reserved for local productions in each country, effectively doubling the financial and institutional support available for qualifying projects.

The treaty establishes comprehensive guidelines covering financial contributions from each partner, requirements for creative and technical input, nationality qualifications for key personnel, revenue distribution arrangements, distribution commitments, and international festival representation rights. It also addresses practical production considerations such as crew mobility across borders, temporary equipment imports, and the use of filming locations in third countries when approved by both competent authorities.

International co-production treaties have become increasingly important tools in the global film and television industry. They allow producers from different countries to pool resources, share creative talent, and access multiple markets while maintaining eligibility for national funding schemes that would otherwise be restricted to purely domestic projects.

For a project to qualify under such treaties, it typically must demonstrate genuine collaboration between partners, with balanced contributions in terms of financing, creative control, and technical resources. This prevents the agreements from being used simply as financing mechanisms while ensuring authentic cultural exchange.

For Canada, the agreement strengthens cultural and economic ties with one of Africa’s most developed and dynamic film markets. Canadian producers gain streamlined access to South African talent, diverse filming locations ranging from urban centers to dramatic natural landscapes, and established production infrastructure, while maintaining eligibility for Canadian funding bodies such as Telefilm Canada, provincial film commissions, and federal tax credit programs. The treaty also supports Canada’s broader strategy of expanding its network of international co-production partners. Canada currently maintains similar agreements with close to 60 countries, making it one of the most active nations in international screen collaboration. 

For South Africa, the treaty provides enhanced access to Canadian expertise, advanced production technology, and substantial financing opportunities, while offering South African stories a direct pathway to North American and international audiences through Canadian distribution networks.

South Africa’s film industry has grown considerably since the original 1997 agreement, with the country becoming a preferred filming destination for international productions. Cape Town and Johannesburg have emerged as significant production hubs, hosting both local content and major international features.

The modernized treaty positions South African producers to leverage these strengths while accessing Canadian resources, potentially leading to increased foreign investment, job creation in the local film sector, and greater global visibility for South African talent both in front of and behind the camera.