What Cinemania does

Cinemania is an independent non-profit organization (organisme à but non lucratif) founded in 1995 by Maidy Teitelbaum in Montreal, Quebec, that operates the largest and oldest French-language film festival in North America. The core product is an annual 12–13 day festival held each November across roughly 8–10 partner cinema venues in central Montreal (Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin, Cinémathèque-Québécoise, Monument-National, Place des Arts, Cinéma du Musée, Cinéma Moderne, Cinéma du Parc, Usine C, and Espace St-Denis). The 31st edition (November 4–16, 2025) programmed 170 films across 211 screenings, drew roughly 100,000 spectators, and hosted 230 guests including 106 international. The 32nd edition is scheduled for November 4–15, 2026, with Francophone Belgium as Country of Honour.

The underlying technology stack is light: an online ticketing platform delivered through Ticketpro's Flex Pass system, a bilingual (French/English) website, an email newsletter subscription system, and a virtual screening platform originally developed during the COVID-19 pivot in 2020 that is no longer active for current editions. The organization monetizes through a hybrid revenue model: (1) direct ticket and pass sales via Ticketpro (individual tickets at $15.50, Carnet 6 films at $80, Passeport Cinéphile at $235 for 25 screenings, Passeport 30 ans et moins at $175, Passeport Industrie at $165); (2) a multi-tiered corporate partnership program with flagship partners including Air Canada, Sofitel, Crave, and Embryolisse; (3) institutional funding from Quebec's Ministère de la Culture, Ville de Montréal, Telefilm Canada, Canada Media Fund, and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF); (4) a high-end benefit soirée (soirée-bénéfice) priced at $1,000 per ticket (early-bird $850) that doubles as a fundraising event; and (5) individual donations eligible for Canadian charitable tax credits. Customer segments include general cinephiles, Quebec and international film industry professionals (via the CINEMANIA Pro program), attendees under 30, corporate partners, government bodies, and distributors/streaming platforms acquiring North American premiere rights.

Name

Cinemania

Legal name

Cinemania

Website

https://festivalcinemania.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cinemania is a Montreal-based non-profit operating the largest and oldest French-language film festival in North America, presenting roughly 170 films annually across partner cinema venues and drawing approximately 100,000 spectators, supported by government grants, corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Film Festival & Cultural Events

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Exhibition (51213), Motion Picture Theaters (except Drive-Ins) (512131), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture Theaters (7830), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Film Festivals & Festival Organizers (MPADAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Theatre & Storytelling Festivals (MPAGAEAI), Community & Cultural Screenings (Museums, Cultural Centers) (MPADAKAH)

Keywords

• Francophone film festival
• Film screening services
• Cinema event programming
• Film industry networking
• Cultural event management

Headquarters

HQ city

Montréal

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket and Pass Sales: Individual tickets ($15.50 regular), carnet 6-film bundles ($80, equivalent to $13.33 per ticket), Passeport Cinéphile ($235 for 25 screenings with priority access), Passeport 30 ans et moins ($175), and Passeport Industrie ($165 for validated film industry professionals). Revenue is collected via Ticketpro's online Flex Pass platform and at box offices in partner cinemas.
2. Gala Events and Benefit Evening: The annual benefit soirée (soirée-bénéfice) is a key fundraising event. Tickets priced at $1,000 per person (with a tax-deductible receipt of $780), with an early-bird rate of $850 until August 31. The evening includes a high-end culinary experience, musical performance, and the public ceremony of the CINEMANIA d'Honneur award. Corporate table purchases and partnerships are also offered.
3. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: The festival generates revenue and in-kind support through a multi-tiered partnership program including principal partners (Air Canada, Sofitel, Embryolisse, Crave), institutional partners (government cultural funding from Quebec, Canada, and international bodies), official partners (media companies such as Canal+, StudioCanal, M6, Télé-Québec), prestigious partners, media partners, and distribution partners. Partnerships provide financial support, promotional value, and operational resources.
4. Donations and Philanthropic Support: The festival accepts direct donations from individuals at any time, separate from benefit event attendance. Tax receipts are issued for eligible donations. The festival is a non-profit organization (organisme à but non lucratif) registered in Quebec, making donations eligible for charitable tax credits under Canadian law.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Cinemania organizes an annual Francophone film festival in Montreal — the largest and oldest French-language film festival in North America, founded in 1995. The festival screens ~170 films across ~211 screenings over 12-13 days each November in multiple partner cinema venues, with English subtitles (VOSTA) on all films, and operates complementary programs including the CINEMANIA Pro industry networking program, a free summer outdoor screening series (Nuits d'été), and an annual benefit gala (Soirée-bénéfice).

Product overview

CINEMANIA is a non-profit francophone film festival organization presenting an annual November festival as its core product, along with complementary offerings including CINEMANIA Pro (professional industry programming), the free summer screening series 'Nuits d'été', and an annual benefit gala. The festival offers ticketed passes (Passeport Cinéphile, Carnet 6 films, Passeport Industrie, Passeport 30 ans et moins) and presents competitive awards including the Prix du Public Air Canada and the CINEMANIA d'honneur.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CINEMANIA PRO: Professional industry program featuring networking, conferences, and industry events for film professionals, distributors, festival directors, and producers.
• Fonds Vital
• Les Nuits d'Été de CINEMANIA
• Grande Soirée du Court Québécois

Products and services

• Festival de films CINEMANIA Annual Francophone film festival held each November in Montreal, presenting ~170 films across ~211 screenings in multiple partner cinema venues. Includes competitive sections (Visages de la Francophonie, Films du Québec, documentaries, short films), Q&As with filmmakers, masterclasses, red carpet events, and galas. The 31st edition (November 4-16, 2025) attracted nearly 100,000 spectators. Open to individual festival-goers and cinephiles.
• CINEMANIA Pro Professional industry program offering panels, workshops, networking events, coproduction meetings (Rencontres de coproduction francophone), and pitch sessions for film industry professionals including festival programmers, distributors, producers, and international festival representatives. Attracts ~50 international festival representatives per edition.
• Nuits d'été de CINEMANIA Free summer outdoor film screening series extending the festival's programming beyond its traditional November dates, held in Montreal parks during warmer months.
• Soirée-bénéfice Annual fundraising gala dinner supporting the festival, featuring high-end culinary experience, musical performance, and the public ceremony of the CINEMANIA d'Honneur award. Tickets at $1,000 per person (early-bird $850 until August 31), with a tax-deductible receipt of $780. Corporate table purchases and partnership packages also offered.
• Passeport Cinéphile All-inclusive festival pass granting access to 25 film screenings for $235 (equivalent to $9.40 per ticket), with priority queue access (coupe-file). Nominative, valid for one person. Not valid for gala events or special screenings. Pass holders receive 15% discounts at partner restaurants and bars. Sold via Ticketpro Flex Pass platform.
• Carnet 6 films Bundle of six film tickets priced at $80 (equivalent to $13.33 per ticket, saving $2.17 per film). Non-nominative; multiple tickets can be reserved for companions on the same film. Not valid for opening gala, closing gala, 31st edition gala, or special events. Sold via Ticketpro Flex Pass platform.
• Passeport Industrie Industry pass for Quebec film industry professionals at $165 (equivalent to $6.60 per ticket). Requires validation by CINEMANIA via form before purchase. Grants priority queue access. Not valid for gala events or special screenings. Sold via Ticketpro Flex Pass platform.
• Passeport 30 ans et moins Youth discount pass for attendees aged 30 or younger at $175 (equivalent to $7.00 per ticket). Requires valid photo ID at collection and entry. If eligibility is not verified, holder is charged the price difference. Sold via Ticketpro Flex Pass platform.

Quantifiable outcome

• Films presented at CINEMANIA have achieved major theatrical success in Quebec: Monsieur Aznavour (Sphère Films) reached ~100,000 Quebec admissions; Le Comte de Monte-Cristo and Le Successeur were top French-language performers in 2024; L'Histoire de Souleymane (18,000 admissions, K-Films), En Fanfare (23,000, Axia Films), and Le Fil (16,000, TVA Films) all performed strongly after CINEMANIA premieres.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Bank of AfricacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Bank of Africa joined CINEMANIA as a key partner for the 31st edition, supporting the creation of the Best Director Award (Prix de la meilleure réalisatrice) and the spotlight on Morocco as Country of Honour. This is a structuring partnership connecting African and North American Francophone cinema ecosystems.
• CANAL+ Distribution CanadacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025CINEMANIA and CANAL+ Distribution Canada announced the creation of the CANAL+ Award at the 31st edition. This new prize adds to the festival's competitive awards program and strengthens ties between the Canadian Francophone market and the international Canal+ group.
• Consulat général de France à QuébeccoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023The French Consulate in Quebec City has partnered with CINEMANIA for over 25 years. It supports the festival's French heritage programming, including restored classic French film screenings and special heritage events. The partnership includes the Prix Colombier-Dompierre, initiated in 2023, rewarding the best film score/composer.
• CraveflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2021Crave, a major Quebec streaming platform (Bell Media), partners with CINEMANIA to promote and distribute Quebec and French-language cinema content. In addition to creating a special curated collection following each edition (over the past 4–5 years), Crave sponsors and hosts the Crave Gala at each edition.
• StudioCanal TV and Planète +coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018StudioCanal TV and Planète+ have partnered with CINEMANIA for 8 years to celebrate francophone cinema. Planète+ sponsors the Documentary Jury, awarding the Prix Planète+ du Meilleur Documentaire at each edition. Mezzo also participated, presenting a tribute to Michel Legrand by François Dompierre.
• Air CanadaflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010Air Canada is the official carrier partner of CINEMANIA since 2010. The partnership facilitates the attendance of international filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals at the festival by providing flight transportation. Over 31 editions, more than 1,500 international guests have traveled with Air Canada to attend CINEMANIA.
• Sofitel MontréalflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Sofitel Montréal Le Carré Doré is the official hotel partner of CINEMANIA. It has been the official hotel partner for multiple years, welcoming guests, professionals, and festival-goers. The hotel is located in the heart of the city, near major cultural attractions.
• Télé-QuébeccoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTélé-Québec supports CINEMANIA with a focus on promoting Quebec emerging talent and the next generation of Quebec filmmakers. They participate in the Grande Soirée du Court Québécois, highlighting Quebec short films.
• EmbryolissecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLaboratoire Embryolisse is a partner supporting the festival and the benefit soirée. The French cosmetics brand is active in both the general partner program and the soirée-bénéfice sponsorship.
• UnifrancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnifrance promotes French cinema internationally and is a key partner of CINEMANIA. Unifrance notes that CINEMANIA has become an important launch platform for French-language films in Quebec, with films such as Monsieur Aznavour, Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, L'Histoire de Souleymane, En Fanfare, and Le Fil achieving strong results in Quebec after CINEMANIA premieres.
• Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOIF partnered with CINEMANIA to celebrate Francophonie at the REGARD festival and awarded a prize at CINEMANIA. OIF also participated in the CINEMANIA Pro professional programming, with its Administrator Caroline St-Hilaire providing a message at the 31st edition.
• Film Fund LuxembourgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFilm Fund Luxembourg is a key international institutional partner. Luxembourg was Country of Honour at the 22nd edition (2022) with a 75-person delegation led by Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. Film Fund Luxembourg continues to support coproduction screenings and innovation initiatives at the festival, including VR works.
• Governement du Québec (Ministère de la Culture)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Government of Quebec, represented by the Ministry of Culture and Communications, is a primary institutional supporter of CINEMANIA. Ministers Mathieu Lacombe and Amélie Dionne have issued official messages of support at recent editions, citing the festival's role in promoting Francophone culture and Quebec's cultural tourism.
• Ville de MontréalflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe City of Montreal is an institutional partner and supporter of CINEMANIA. Mayor Valérie Plante has issued official messages recognizing the festival as a key cultural event that reinforces Montreal's position as the Francophone metropolis of the Americas.
• Telefilm CanadaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerTelefilm Canada is the federal screen-based content funding agency and a long-standing institutional partner. Julie Roy, Director General and CEO, issued an official message at the 31st edition recognizing CINEMANIA's role in connecting Canadian cinema with audiences domestically and internationally.
• Fonds des médias du Canada (FMC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Canada Media Fund supports CINEMANIA as an essential platform for discovering and promoting Francophone cinema from Quebec, Canada, and internationally. President and CEO Valérie Plante has congratulated the festival at recent editions.
• Conseil des Arts de MontréalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Montreal Arts Council has supported CINEMANIA for nearly 30 years with conviction. Director General Nathalie Maillé has noted the festival's role as a Francophone cultural ambassador, including its international presence at Angoulême.
• Tourisme MontréalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTourisme Montréal is a key partner that recognizes CINEMANIA as a flagship cultural event that attracts visitors and reinforces Montreal's position as a vibrant, culturally rich destination. President-Director General Yves Lalumière has praised the festival's contribution to Montreal's cultural tourism economy.
• Juste pour rirecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerJuste pour rire (Canada's largest comedy festival) partnered with CINEMANIA for the introduction of the Prix de la meilleure comédie Juste pour rire at the 31st edition (2025). This new audience-choice comedy award allows spectators to vote for their favourite Francophone comedy film.
• Maison Le ChêneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMaison Le Chêne is a partner of the CINEMANIA benefit soirée, providing culinary or hospitality support for the high-end benefit event held at L'Auberne Saint-Gabriel.
• Groupe AxyonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGroupe Axyon is a partner of the CINEMANIA benefit soirée, supporting the annual fundraising event.
• Hoogan & BeaufortminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHoogan & Beaufort is a partner for the benefit soirée, contributing to the high-end culinary experience offered at the fundraising event.
• GutsyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGutsy is a partner of the CINEMANIA benefit soirée, supporting the fundraising event.
• Le Maître BoucherminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLe Maître Boucher is a partner for the benefit soirée, contributing to the culinary offerings at the fundraising event.
• Cotard ChocolatierminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCotard Chocolatier is a partner for the benefit soirée, contributing to the premium culinary experience at the annual fundraising event.
• Festival REGARD (Saguenay)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFestival REGARD in Saguenay is a partner festival with whom CINEMANIA and OIF collaborated to celebrate Francophonie. This cross-festival partnership strengthens ties between Francophone film festivals in Canada.
• Cinémathèque-QuébécoisecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Cinémathèque-Québécoise is a key distribution partner venue and archival institution. Since 2011, CINEMANIA has collaborated with the Cinémathèque-Québécoise to host retrospectives and accommodate growing guest programming. The venue also serves as the passport distribution point.
• Festival International du Film de Animé (Annecy)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Annecy International Animated Film Festival is a partner festival of CINEMANIA, facilitating cross-promotion and exchange of programming between two major Francophone film festivals.
• Fantasia FestivalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFantasia Festival (Montreal's major English-language genre and international film festival) is a partner festival of CINEMANIA. This partnership connects Montreal's two major film festivals and facilitates audience crossover.
• Office Québécois de la Langue Française (OQLF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOQLF partnered with CINEMANIA Pro at its second edition to address the state of the French language in the film and audiovisual sector. Two conferences and two workshops covered French-language film production in Quebec and the role of French in online, theatrical, and television distribution. The OQLF also participated in the Lexique 3D project and produced educational capsules.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF): Western Canada's largest film festival. Comparable as a Canadian multi-venue film festival with industry programming, government and corporate funding, and pass-based ticketing, but serves a different geographic market and broader linguistic scope than CINEMANIA.
• Festival REGARD: Quebec-based short film festival in Saguenay and a CINEMANIA partner festival. Comparable as a Francophone Canadian film festival with public funding support, though focused specifically on short films rather than feature-length programming.

Broad incumbents

• Festival de Cannes: The world's most prestigious film festival and a key upstream content source for CINEMANIA (which programs Cannes films for North American audiences). Comparable as a major international film festival with industry programming and premium sponsorship tiers, though vastly larger in scale and global reach.
• Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): Canada's flagship film festival, far larger in scale and scope. Comparable as a major Canadian film festival with industry programming, corporate sponsorships, and government support, but TIFF is a multi-language blockbuster event rather than a Francophone-niche festival.

Direct peers

• Festival du nouveau cinéma (FNC): Montreal-based annual film festival presenting international cinema across multiple venues. Directly comparable as a Montreal-headquartered multi-venue film festival competing for overlapping audience, sponsor, and government funding pools, though FNC is broader in scope (not Francophone-specific).
• Festival International du Film Francophone de Namur (FIFF): Major Francophone film festival based in Belgium and a CINEMANIA programming partner. The most direct international peer—dedicated to Francophone cinema, comparable scale, similar industry program, and active cross-promotion of films between Namur and Montreal.
• Fantasia International Film Festival: Montreal's major international genre film festival and an existing CINEMANIA partner. Operates with a similar festival model (multi-venue, summer timing, industry partnerships) and competes for Montreal's film audience and corporate sponsors, though focused on genre rather than Francophone content.
• Festival du Film Francophone d'Angoulême: France-based Francophone film festival and a CINEMANIA programming partner. Direct peer in niche focus (Francophone cinema), comparable scale, and overlapping filmmaker/guest rosters, though anchored in mainland France rather than North America.

Others

• Telefilm Canada: Federal Canadian screen-based content funding agency and a flagship institutional partner of CINEMANIA. Adjacent peer—not a festival but the principal federal funding body whose grants materially support the festival's programming and operations.
• Unifrance: French agency promoting French cinema internationally and a CINEMANIA strategic partner. Adjacent peer—not a festival but a key ecosystem enabler that co-promotes CINEMANIA and uses it as a launch platform for French films in North America.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cinemania_mtl
• Facebookfacebook.com/Festival.CINEMANIA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/festival-de-films-cinemania

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cinemania