CEPI Expands Globally with Canadian Membership as First International Observers

Political ties between Canada and Europe are deepening, extending into the media production sector. The European Audiovisual Production Association (CEPI) has welcomed the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and the Association Québécoise de la Production Médiatique (AQPM) as its inaugural international observer members. CEPI represents 3,000 independent production companies across 17 countries through its 19 national associations and one European association, now including the two Canadian bodies.

During the Trump administration, the EU and Canada strengthened political collaboration, mirrored by media organizations. Notably, CBC/Radio-Canada became the first non-European full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) this summer, and Canada is set to participate in the next Eurovision Song Contest.

CEPI and the Canadian bodies will collaborate on dialogue and shared advocacy priorities, including streaming regulation, domestic production quotas, intellectual property rights, and co-production frameworks. This development follows a joint statement by CEPI, CMPA, AQPM, and other producer associations from Australia and Europe, urging governments to safeguard domestic production and local storytelling at the Toronto International Film Festival.

“The inclusion of CMPA and AQPM as CEPI’s first international observers highlights the global nature of the audiovisual industry,” stated Anthony Muldoon, CEPI President. “Though Europe and Canada are geographically apart, our independent production sectors face similar challenges and opportunities. We are united in fostering original content that reflects our cultural identities.”

“Canadian and European producers grapple with the same issues, from digital regulation updates to ensuring local voices thrive and securing fair ownership of their work. Success requires collective action,” said Reynolds Mastin, President and CEO of CMPA. “Canadian and European independent producers face many of the same challenges, from modernizing regulations for the digital age to ensuring that local stories continue to be told, and to making sure domestic producers have a fair opportunity to own their work. We are stronger when we tackle these challenges together.”

Joining CEPI is an honor,” noted Hélène Messier, President and Executive Director of AQPM. “We aim to address challenges like artificial intelligence, cultural diversity, and preserving our shared cultural sovereignty.”

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