TORONTO — Canadian talent will have one fewer space to network at this year’s South By Southwest music and film festival in Austin, Texas.
Telefilm says in a statement it’s decided to cancel its annual Canada House at the 2025 edition of SXSW next month, but it didn’t provide a reason or respond to questions for comment.
However, one of the participant organizations says it pulled out of Canada House due to rising costs and political uncertainty with the United States.
Canada House has been a regular presence at the U.S. festival, giving homegrown talent a venue to connect for business deals and showcase musical talent.
Andrew Cash, president and CEO of the Canadian Independent Music Association, says his organization decided last week to cancel their single-day booking at Canada House.
He cited the weak Canadian dollar and political uncertainty as some reasons which made it difficult to “feel confident about making an investment” at the festival this year.
Telefilm’s senior vice president of industry development Francesca Accinelli said in a statement that the organization will still be part of the Canadian Innovation Lounge, which focuses on technology.
South By Southwest runs from March 7 to 15.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 21, 2025.
David Friend, The Canadian Press
