Ontario Investing in Ajax’s Film Industry

May 5, 2025

Funding will help create opportunities for emerging BIPOC artists.

News | May 5, 2025
AJAX – The Ontario government is supporting the town of Ajax with an investment of
$10,000 through the Ontario Creates-CMF IDM Futures Forward Program to strengthen
and support the economic and cultural growth of the province’s BIPOC-owned media
companies and artists.
The announcement was made by Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, Parliamentary
Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social
Services.
“Our government recognizes the important role that the arts play in fostering dynamic
and thriving communities across Ontario,” said MPP Lorne Coe. Parliamentary
Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services
“This support will help Rellow Media Incorporated continue to create more opportunities
for emerging Black and Indigenous artists to showcase their talent – enriching our
community, creating good jobs and drawing more visitors to Ajax and other communities
across the Region of Durham.”
“Ontario’s vibrant and diverse arts and culture industries enrich our lives and boost
economic activity,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “I’m
pleased that Rellow Media Incorporated is receiving funding through the Ontario
Creates-CMF IDM Futures Forward Program. They are helping to ensure Black artists
in Ajax have the opportunity to share their art with their community and connect with
audiences across the province and beyond.”
The Ontario Creates-CMF IDM Futures Forward Program is designed to build the
economic capacity of successful new and emerging BIPOC-owned media companies,
particularly those who may face barriers to the mainstream. This is achieved through
investment in early-stage project-related development activities for Interactive Digital
Media projects. Examples of eligible projects include web series, video content for
online magazines, video-based e-learning projects, XR experiences, video games and
e-learning content.
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“Receiving the funding from the Ontario Creates-CMF IDM Futures Forward Program is
such a meaningful milestone, not just for me, but for my project Adelaide Street and
everyone involved. This early-stage support gives the project a real chance to thrive
from the ground up and it also means I can properly compensate my collaborators for
their time and creativity. As a creator from an equity-deserving community, it’s incredibly
encouraging to have this kind of backing at the very beginning. I’m truly grateful and
excited to keep developing a story that explores identity, belonging and resilience in a
deeply personal way.”

• Temilola Adebayo, CEO & Producer, Rellow Media Inc.
  Quick Facts
  ▪ Ontario Creates is an agency of the Government of Ontario that promotes,
  enhances, and leverages investment, jobs and original content creation in the
  province’s book publishing, film and television, interactive digital media,
  magazine publishing and music industries.
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  MEDIA CONTACTS
  Eric Hutchins
  Office Manager
  Lorne Coe
  MPP Whitby
  Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
  905-430-1141