NORTH BAY – The Ontario government is investing $2.5 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) in five film and television projects in North Bay. This funding will help create industry jobs, showcase northern talent and help raise the profile of the production industry in Northern Ontario.

“Today’s $2.5 million investment through the NOHFC will increase the industry’s jobs and investments in Northern Ontario, including right here in Nipissing,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “The Ontario government will continue to elevate this region’s world-class film and television industry, drive the local economy, and attract projects.”

Film projects funded through the NOHFC include:

• $800,000 for Blood Lines Films Inc. to produce Blood Lines, a feature film that follows the story of a woman, who is both a reporter and a grocery store clerk, while her world comes crashing down with the homecoming of her estranged mother and the appearance of a mysterious woman in both their lives
• $500,000 for Distinct Features Inc. to produce Driven, in which a malevolent force traps a young lawyer in a high-tech car on an isolated northern highway
• $500,000 for Embers Film Inc. to produce The Embers and the Stars, a feature film that follows the story of an astrophysicist stationed in the north of Canada who discovers there are two non-human powers positioned to take control of earth and its inhabitants
• $500,000 for Hideaway Pictures Inc. to produce Operation Mistletoe, which follows an expert decorator who is hired to decorate a home that unbeknownst to her is being sold by her former high school crush
• $200,000 for Mukwa Studios to improve its studio space with a new rigging grid to support lights, backdrops and safety harnesses to help attract film and television production industry customers to the Nipissing region.

“Targeted investments like today’s $2.5 million commitment through the NOHFC are pivotal in strengthening Northern Ontario’s growing film industry,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “This funding will ignite new partnerships, boost local talent, and create valuable opportunities in communities across the region as we continue to position the North as a prime destination for filmmakers.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $841 million in 6,894 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.5 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 10,560 jobs.

 Quick Facts

• The Ontario government’s enhanced NOHFC programming supports more projects in rural northern communities and makes it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programming targets existing and emerging markets, provides more work opportunities for Indigenous people and addresses the skilled labour shortage in the North.
• The NOHFC’s Cultural Supports Program showcases Northern Ontario culture, geography and talent through event partnerships and support for the production of films and TV series.

Additional Resources

 The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.

Quotes

“Distinct Features’ production of the movie ‘Driven’ will be one of the most northern productions ever shot, with 95 per cent of the cast and crew coming from the North and more specifically North Bay. The ongoing support of Distinct Features from the NOHFC has helped us develop a world class production and acting community.” – Derek Diorio, President of Distinct Features, Producer of Driven.

“The Embers and The Stars was made possible with the participation of the NOHFC. We were able to shoot in the summer of 2024 and bring a top tier cast up to the North to work alongside all of the talent that Northern Ontario has to offer. We are grateful for the NOHFC’s ongoing support and hope to bring many more exciting projects in the future.” – Maddy Falle, Producer, The Embers and The Stars.

“The unwavering support from the NOHFC and Minister Fedeli has been absolutely essential to the success of our film. The funding not only enables us to bring our creative vision to life, but also supports the local economy, talent, and communities that make this region such an inspiring place to create. NOHFC’s commitment to fostering growth in the film industry truly makes them an invaluable partner for our industry.” – David Anselmo, President of Production, Hideaway Pictures, Producer of Operation Mistletoe.

Media Contacts

Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office
437-240-7317
curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca

Media Desk, Communications Branch
mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca