How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 49% of admissible expenses, capped at $400000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the CMF — POV Program?

CMF — POV Program is funded by Canada Media Fund (CMF)

What are CMF — POV Program's eligibility criterias?

Applicant must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in section 3.1 of the Main Program Guidelines (production). Broadcaster-affiliated and internal productions are not eligible.

CMF — POV Program

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Support for creative author documentaries through financial contributions

CMF — POV Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $400,000
Up to 49% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : April 1, 2024
Closing date : January 8, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Grant Providers

Canada Media Fund (CMF)

Program status

Closed

Overview of the CMF — POV Program program

The "Programme pour les Documentaires d’Auteur" for 2024-2025 provides financial support up to a maximum of $400,000 to eligible documentary projects that are either unique author-driven or creative works in English or French. The program is designed to encourage the development and growth of uniquely characteristic documentary genres and requires projects to meet specific eligibility criteria, including securing a minimum third-party financial commitment.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial contribution covers up to 49% of eligible project expenses, to a maximum of $400,000 per project.
The first portion of funding (up to 20% of eligible expenses) is disbursed as a licence fee top-up; any amount above 20% is provided as an equity investment.
Total funding from all Canada Media Fund (CMF) programs for a single project cannot exceed 84% of eligible expenses.

Eligible projects & activities

Production of single-author or creative documentaries in either English or French.
Creation of feature-length documentary films with a unique authorial perspective or creative approach.

Eligibility criteria of the CMF — POV Program program

The applicant must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Section 3.1 of the Main Program Guidelines (production).
The applicant must not be a broadcaster-affiliated production company or internal production unit.
The project must be a standalone, original, auteur or creative documentary produced in English or French.
The project must have a minimum financial commitment of at least 15% of eligible costs from an independent Canadian third party at the time of application.
The project must secure an eligible broadcaster or, if applicable, eligible Canadian distributor commitment that meets the program's minimum financial trigger requirements by the established deadline.

Who is eligible?

Canadian companies producing auteur or creative documentaries

Who is not eligible

Companies affiliated with a Canadian broadcaster (broadcaster-affiliated productions).
Companies producing internal productions (in-house productions).

Eligible expenses

Production costs directly related to the creation of the documentary.
Eligible broadcast rights fees paid to Canadian broadcasters and, if applicable, eligible distribution fees.
Costs that can be claimed for Canadian and certain international broadcast or distribution rights, provided the majority come from Canadian broadcasters or eligible Canadian distributors.
Personnel salaries and fees associated with the production and creative teams, including payments that demonstrate gender parity or diversity targets.
Expenses covered by eligible third-party Canadian financial commitments, such as contributions from traditional/digital distributors, public or private funding agencies, provincial organizations, or confirmed crowdfunding campaigns.
Canadian federal, provincial, or territorial film tax credits and audiovisual incentives, where applicable to the project's financing structure.

Eligible geographic areas

Canada

Eligibility criteria of the CMF — POV Program program

Market Interest (25 points): Includes market engagement and audience potential, such as financial commitments from distribution platforms, potential for audience reach, and effectiveness of the marketing plan.
Team (26 points): Assesses the background and experience of the production and creative teams, including gender parity and representation from diverse communities.
Community and Sustainability (4 points): Evaluates the applicant’s commitment to community engagement and environmentally responsible practices.
Creative Elements (45 points): Considers originality, creativity, innovative production approach, and the project’s potential to offer new cultural perspectives and stand out in the Canadian audiovisual landscape.

How to apply to the CMF — POV Program program

Review Eligibility Criteria

Ensure that both the applicant and the project meet the eligibility criteria detailed in the Programme guidelines.
Verify that the Project's language, funding, and format align with requirements.

Secure Preliminary Financial Commitment

Obtain a financial commitment from a Canadian third party representing at least 15% of the project's eligible expenses.
Ensure any required broadcaster or distributor contributions meet the required thresholds.

Prepare Application Materials

Draft a detailed project proposal including creative elements, audience engagement plans, and community involvement.
Prepare any necessary financial documents demonstrating commitment and budget alignment.
Include plans for environmental sustainability and community engagement within the project framework.

Submit Application

Submit the application through the FMC's designated portal, ensuring all documents are accurately prepared and uploaded.
Complete the online submission form, and attach all required materials in the specified format.
Submit the application prior to the deadline.

Confirmation and Follow-up

After submission, receive a confirmation of receipt from the FMC.
Keep the confirmation for future reference and wait for any follow-up communication regarding the application status.

Additional information

Projects that do not have a confirmed broadcast agreement at the time of application may still apply, provided distribution rights that meet the financial trigger requirement are eventually secured.
If the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) participates as distributor and provides an advance, it counts as an eligible third-party financial commitment; as a co-producer with equity, it does not.
The duration of all broadcasting windows for a supported project, including exclusive and non-exclusive periods, is capped at six years.
Tax credits and public/private funding can be included as part of the required third-party financial commitment, if Canadian broadcast or distribution agreements are confirmed.

Apply to this program