Something is shifting.
I’ve felt it at film festivals, in conversations with producers, even around the dinner table. Canadians are connecting with their own stories in a way that feels new. There is a growing sense of pride in seeing ourselves reflected on screen.
It reminds me of the “buy local” movement. People want something rooted in place, the same way someone might reach for Canadian whiskey instead of Kentucky bourbon. There is meaning in choosing something homegrown.
For years, Canadian work had to compete with bigger, glossier productions from the south. That is changing. Our films and series now stand confidently beside the best in the world. The Handmaid’s Tale helped open that door and proved that Canadian creative teams could deliver stories that resonate globally. Since then, the work has been speaking for itself, and our voice carries further than we once imagined.
And it is not just Canadians who want our stories. International partners are paying attention too. While some markets are turning inward, Canada continues to remain open. Co-production treaties with countries across Europe, Asia, and Australia give us a unique advantage. We have an industry that knows how to collaborate globally while staying true to what makes our stories distinct.
This openness plays directly to Edmonton’s strengths. We have never focused on chasing glossy spectacle. We excel in smaller, creative, story-driven work. And that is where the industry is heading.
At Edmonton Screen, we are building the foundation for more of that work. We are supporting producers as they develop their own intellectual property, expanding training for emerging talent, and helping local companies grow with stability and confidence. The goal is to create an environment where Edmonton stories can take shape at home and travel anywhere.
It is no surprise that more of us are reaching for the local pour. We are finding that what is being made here is rich, specific, and worth returning to. The stories coming out of Edmonton and Northern Alberta offer a perspective audiences are ready for.
Canadian stories matter. Edmonton stories matter. And the world is making room for both.
