$46,800 OTF grant from Ontario Government helps bring the Ottawa film festival experience to seniors
Ottawa, ON – Ottawa seniors are getting front-row access to the film festival experience thanks to a $46,800 Seed grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The For Mature Audiences (FMA) program, developed by the Canadian Film Institute (CFI) and its International Film Festival of Ottawa (IFFO), brings screenings and filmmaker visits directly to local care homes and community centres.
Local MPPs Lucille Collard and Ottawa Centre MPP Catherine McKenney met with the CFI team earlier today at The Good Companions Seniors’ Centre to learn more about how the OTF Seed Grant made the outreach project possible.
The FMA outreach series offers seniors a curated, accessible film festival experience designed to reduce barriers to participation and foster social and cultural connection. Through partnerships with local organizers and long-term care professionals, the program supports seniors’ social, cognitive, and emotional well-being by creating opportunities to enjoy and discuss films together.
Recent screenings have featured The Pavilion, a short film by Ottawa filmmaker Pixie Cram. The locally-made film had its world premiere earlier this year at IFFO. Select screening dates will offer seniors the chance to meet the filmmaker in person for a festival-style experience brought right to their community.
Quotes
“This is a thoughtful and inspiring initiative that brings the film festival experience directly to seniors in our community. Thanks to support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Canadian Film Institute is creating opportunities for connection, conversation, and enjoyment in spaces that are familiar and accessible. Programs like this help reduce isolation and make arts and culture more inclusive for older adults.”
‒Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa—Vanier
“This new For Mature Audiences initiative, run by the Canadian Film Institute, is an incredible opportunity for seniors in Ottawa to strengthen their connections with our community. I am excited to see the way this program will enhance a sense of belonging among our neighbours, thanks to the hard work of our friends at the CFI and generous support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.”
‒Catherine McKenney, MPP for Ottawa Centre
“We are excited to launch our For Mature Audience program, an educational and entertaining outreach initiative for seniors, bringing films and filmmakers directly to seniors residences. Presenting this curated, accessible filmgoing experience to seniors in their living spaces enables us to deliver engaging film programming to an underserved community in our society. The Canadian Film Institute is honoured to be launching this programming with its community and Government of Ontario partners.”
‒Tom McSorley, Executive Director of the Canadian Film Institute
“We’re proud to support initiatives that bring meaningful cultural experiences to seniors, creating opportunities to connect, engage, and feel part of a vibrant community.”
‒Matthew Ottaviani, Executive Director of The Good Companions Seniors’ Centre (Ottawa)
Following remarks, event guests and members of the Centre were invited to experience an FMA screening.
About the Canadian Film Institute
The Canadian Film Institute (CFI) is a charitable organization that encourages and promotes the production, study, and appreciation of film in Canada and abroad. Incorporated in 1935, the CFI is the oldest film institute in Canada and the second-oldest film institute in the world. The CFI organizes ongoing public film programming, artist talks, and several international film festivals, including the Ottawa International Animation Festival, the International Film Festival of Ottawa, and the European Union Film Festival. For more information about the organization, visit the CFI’s website.
About the International Film Festival of Ottawa
The International Film Festival of Ottawa (IFFO) brings an eclectic mix of shorts and features from around the globe to Canada’s capital. Held annually in March by the Canadian Film Institute, IFFO is hosted at the Ottawa Art Gallery, the ByTowne Cinema, and other venues within the Ottawa downtown core. In addition to its screenings, the Festival offers professional development programming tailored to Ottawa’s growing film production industry. Additional information about the Festival is available on the IFFO website.
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
