The Canadian Picture Pioneers (CPP) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1940 by members of the Canadian motion picture industry. For over 80 years, the CPP has been dedicated to supporting the film industry across Canada. Its mission encompasses providing financial assistance and educational support to industry members as well as documenting their history. In 1939, Jack Cohn of Columbia Pictures had formed a Hollywood Picture Pioneers 25-year club, including Canadians Oscar Hanson and Clair Hague, who were inspired to form a Canadian equivalent. The Canadian Picture Pioneers launched in 1940 with 124 inaugural members (See the full list in this May 1, 1940 special issue of Canadian Moving Picture Digest).
The CPP’s involvement in preserving and documenting the history of Canadian film exhibition has been a pivotal support to the CHiMERA project. Their contributions to our periodical collection have enriched the resources available for research, ensuring that Canada's film history is more accessible.
Moreover, the CPP has amassed a large collection of video interviews with noteworthy figures in the history of the Canadian film industry. The interview project, which began in 1995, offers invaluable insights and personal anecdotes that illuminate the experiences and contributions of key individuals in the Canadian film landscape. Part of this interview collection is available through the TIFF archives.
The Canadian Picture Pioneers continue to play a vital role in preserving the heritage of Canadian film exhibition, and their collaboration with CHiMERA ensures that researchers have better access to the history of the motion picture industry in Canada.
Read more about the First Annual Canadian Picture Pioneers Meeting (Nov 13, 1940 in Toronto).