Closed
Source verified July 8, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
March 19, 2026
Opened January 21, 2026
Location
Outaouais, Quebec, Canada
Overview
Citizen Minutes supports short documentary projects focused on civic engagement and community impact. The program commissions selected filmmakers for film production, exhibition, distribution, and impact-related activities, with the maximum funding amount not specified in the source.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Develop a new program or service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Outaouais
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- 2SLGBTQI+
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Artists / creatives
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Short documentary film production.
- Participation in an online documentary film lab.
- Film premiere, distribution, and impact screenings.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Emerging to mid-career filmmakers.
- Canadian citizens.
- Permanent residents of Canada.
Who is not eligible
- School or institute coursework projects.
- Projects that are part of an existing series.
- Fiction films.
- Completed films.
Eligible expenses
- Funding and creative support for films.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Coursework projects for a school or institute.
- Projects that are part of an existing series.
- Fiction films.
- Completed films.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Feasibility of the project realization.
- Creative merit, including originality and storytelling strength.
- Audience reach and fit with the program mandate.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the guidelines
- Read the eligibility rules and program guidelines before starting.
- Confirm the project meets the program requirements.
- Step 2: Complete the online application
- Fill out the application form online in English or French.
- Provide the requested information about the story, audience, access, budget, and feasibility.
- Step 3: Request accommodations if needed
- If assistance is required, request accommodations at least two weeks before the deadline.
- Contact the program team for support with the application process.
- Step 4: Submit before the deadline
- Submit the online application before March 19, 2026.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee made up of Hot Docs representatives and the creative producer(s).
- Only complete and eligible applications are submitted to the Selection Committee.
- Applicants are notified of the decision in June 2026.
Additional information
- Application materials are confidential.
- The program may offer accessibility accommodations, including a video component.
- All program sessions are conducted in English.
- There is no application fee.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Citizen Minutes Program
What is the Citizen Minutes?
Citizen Minutes supports short documentary projects focused on civic engagement and community impact. The program commissions selected filmmakers for film production, exhibition, distribution, and impact-related activities, with the maximum funding amount not specified in the source.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 19, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Citizen Minutes program?
To be eligible for the Citizen Minutes program, you must:
Canadian citizen or resident
Co-director attached to project
Prior filmmaking credit required
What expenses are eligible under Citizen Minutes?
Short documentary film production.
Participation in an online documentary film lab.
Film premiere, distribution, and impact screenings.
Who can I contact for more information about the Citizen Minutes?
You can contact Hot Docs by email at industry@hotdocs.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Citizen Minutes available?
The Citizen Minutes program is available Outaouais, Quebec.