In the shadow of British Columbia’s towering mountains, the Okanagan film industry faces an unexpected adversary: potential U.S. tariffs that could dramatically reshape the region’s creative landscape. What began as whispers of trade tension has evolved into a legitimate concern for local filmmakers who have cultivated a thriving industry worth approximately $35 million annually to the Okanagan economy.
“We’ve built something special here over the past decade,” says Jon Smith, executive director of the Okanagan Film Commission. “These tariff threats create a cloud of uncertainty just as we were hitting our stride with international productions.”
The proposed 25% tariff on Canadian film productions enters the United States would effectively eliminate the cost advantages that have made the Okanagan an attractive filming destination for American producers. Industry experts estimate that roughly 60% of productions in the region have some form of U.S. investment or distribution agreement, meaning the impact could be widespread and devastating.
Local industry professionals have begun mobilizing to address the situation. A coalition of Okanagan filmmakers, led by veteran producer Sarah Melnyk, has initiated discussions with federal trade representatives to highlight the potential economic damage.
“This isn’t just about the obvious jobs—directors, actors, camera operators,” explains Melnyk. “It’s about the entire ecosystem: local caterers, accommodations, transportation companies, construction crews. The ripple effect would touch thousands of families across the valley.”
The timing is particularly troubling as the region had recently expanded its infrastructure with two new studio facilities in Kelowna, representing investments exceeding $12 million. These facilities, designed to accommodate year-round production, now face uncertain futures if the flow of U.S.-backed projects diminishes.
Economic analysis from the British Columbia Film Commission indicates that for every dollar spent directly on film production, an additional $1.80 circulates through the local economy. The Okanagan’s unique blend of diverse landscapes, from vineyards to desert terrain, combined with experienced local crews, had positioned it as a cost-effective alternative to Vancouver’s saturated market.
Provincial leaders have pledged support, with B.C.’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture acknowledging the sector’s importance to regional economic diversity. “We’re working closely with federal counterparts to ensure Okanagan filmmakers have their concerns represented at the highest levels of trade discussions,” the minister stated in a recent press briefing.
Meanwhile, local film professionals remain cautiously optimistic while developing contingency plans. Some production companies are accelerating project timelines to complete work before any tariffs take effect, while others explore co-production arrangements with European partners to diversify their market exposure.
“We’ve weathered challenges before—from the pandemic to scheduling conflicts with the wildfire season,” notes veteran location manager David Chen. “The difference is that those were temporary disruptions. These tariffs, if implemented, would fundamentally alter the economics of what we do.”
Industry veterans emphasize that the Okanagan’s emergence as a filming destination represented years of community investment and relationship building. The region has hosted productions ranging from Hallmark holiday movies to acclaimed independent films and segments of larger Hollywood productions seeking authentic small-town North American settings.
As Canadian trade representatives prepare for negotiations, the question remains: can the vibrant film community that has blossomed among the orchards and lakes of the Okanagan find a path forward in an increasingly protectionist global environment, or will local creative professionals be forced to reimagine their industry from the ground up?
