Mipcom 2022: Telefilm Canada to showcase "Bones of Crows" Indigenous drama

In collaboration with the Canada Media Fund, Telefilm Canada is holding a showcase on the upcoming "Bones of Crows" series: "From Canada to Audiences Worldwide: Bones of Crows and powerful Indigenous storytelling” at Mipcom. The event will take place on Tuesday October 18 in the Auditorium A of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes and will bring together the creator of "Bones of Crows", the production team behind this epic show, and their international sales agent aiming for worldwide audiences. Marie Clements, producer-writer-director, Trish Dolman, producer, Christine Haebler, producer, and Linda Jin, Director of Content Sales and Distribution, will share a preview of the series and speak to their collaboration from inception to production to sales.

"Bones of Crows" is the first Indigenous and female-led produced, written, and directed drama series about the residential school experience in North America. The series began in 2019 when writer, director and lead producer Marie Clements and executive producer Sam Grana ("The Boys of St. Vincent") began developing a TV series with Sally Catto at the CBC. The intention and focus was to create and execute a large-scale dramatic production that gave voice to the multi-generational effect of the residential school experience in Canada.

"Bones of Crows" is a multi-generational epic story of resilience told through the eyes of Cree Matriarch Aline Spears. Removed from their family home and forced into Canada’s residential school system, young musical prodigy Aline and her siblings are plunged into a struggle for survival. Over the next hundred years, Aline and her descendants fight against systemic starvation, racism and sexual abuse - and to build a more just future.

Francesca Accinelli, Interim Executive Director & CEO of Telefilm Canada, says: “Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of our work at Telefilm, and we know audiences are seeking stories that reflect their experiences and Canada has the talent to fill the need. With an important pan-Canadian delegation representing our country’s diverse communities, our industry’s export efforts are back in full force, which is why the Canada Pavilion will be in a new location this year, at RIVIERA 8 – R8. E1. This larger, brighter and eco-friendly space will host close to 90 companies, making it one of the largest national pavilions at MIPCOM. In addition, Telefilm will present a session on 'Bones of Crows', a new Indigenous led series with strong international potential in the official MIPCOM program, with high anticipation for it to reach audiences around the globe. Furthermore, Telefilm, in collaboration with the Canada Media Fund, will once again partner with the Diversify TV Excellence Awards.”

“As part of the Canada Media Fund’s commitment to growth and inclusion, we have a responsibility within our mandate to amplify the voices, stories, and perspectives of our country’s sovereignty and equity seeking creators and communities—here in Canada and across the world,” comments the President and CEO, Valerie Creighton. “Every year, we see more global audiences connecting with our uniquely Canadian stories and we know that taking every opportunity to promote our country’s talent is critical to our industry’s success. In collaboration with our partners at Telefilm Canada, this year we are excited to present a MIPCOM showcase entirely dedicated to Marie Clement’s 'Bones of Crows', a powerful indictment of the residential school system and a testament to Cree resistance and resilience, told from the heart. We’re also proud to return as co-supporters of the Diversify TV Awards and to present an award in the Representation of Disability category. Congratulations to all the nominees!”