Role of the Canadian Independent Screen Fund in the funding ecosystem
The Canadian Independent Screen Fund for Black and People of Colour Creators (CISF) is a national, non-profit funding organization dedicated to strengthening the careers and projects of Black and racialized filmmakers and screen-based storytellers in Canada. Evolving from the former Canadian Independent Film and Video Fund (CIFVF), which financed over 1,000 projects between 1991 and 2008, CISF combines that legacy of independent production support with a renewed equity and representation mandate.
Recognized by the CRTC as a Certified Independent Production Fund (CIPF), CISF channels private and partner contributions into development and production support for screen projects led by Black and racialized creators. Its portfolio includes script and project development funds, such as the Rogers–Black Screen Office (BSO) Script Development Fund, which offers financial assistance alongside mentorship and pitch coaching designed to prepare projects for the marketplace.
Publics served and forms of support
CISF targets Black and People of Colour creators working in film, television and digital media across Canada. The fund focuses on independent producers and emerging and mid-career talent who have historically faced systemic barriers in accessing institutional funding. Support typically combines cash funding (for script and project development or production-related activities) with non-financial elements such as mentorship, industry networking, and professional feedback on pitches and scripts.
The organization works closely with advocacy and industry partners, including BIPOC TV & Film, the Black Screen Office, Creatives Empowered, the National Screen Institute and others, to ensure its programs are designed and evaluated by those with lived experience in the communities it serves. CISF emphasizes independently juried decision-making, transparent criteria, and a focus on ensuring that supported creators retain meaningful creative and copyright control over their work.
History and evolution of the organization
The CIFVF historically operated as a dynamic charitable fund that ran two annual grant deadlines, provided first-in money to small and medium-sized production companies, and helped generate significant economic activity and jobs across all regions and languages in Canada. After losing federal support in 2009, the board chose to keep the fund dormant but legally active, with the aim of restoring support for independent filmmakers.
In 2020, the board reactivated and rebranded the organization as the Canadian Independent Screen Fund for Black and People of Colour Creators, retaining the core mandate of supporting independent screen production while explicitly centering Black and racialized communities. The current board and advisory bring together leaders from multiple equity-focused organizations and festivals, reflecting a broad coalition committed to systemic change in the screen sector.
Research, advocacy and impact
Beyond direct funding, CISF undertakes research and policy work to document and improve conditions for Black and racialized creators. For example, its Economic Impact of Black and Racialized Production in Ontario report, supported by Ontario Creates and philanthropic partners, quantifies production volumes, GDP and employment contributions, and outlines barriers and opportunities in the sector. These insights inform fund design, encourage better-targeted public policies, and highlight the economic case for investing in Black and racialized production.
Through these combined roles—grant-making, mentorship, coalition-building and evidence-based advocacy—CISF acts as a specialized pillar in Canada’s broader screen funding ecosystem, working to make financing structures more inclusive and to expand the range of stories and creators that can access sustainable support.
