Development program — Indigenous stream
grant_single|update March 24, 2025
Canada
Financing for Indigenous filmmakers
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDate September 3, 2024
- grant_single|closingDate September 24, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Telefilm Canada
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a repayable advance of up to $30,000 to cover costs in the development stage of your feature film. To be eligible, you must meet certain criteria for recent theatrical releases, including having 1 project funded by Telefilm.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant offers specific financing modalities to support the development of Indigenous feature film projects in Canada, adhering closely to the program guidelines and requirements.
- Development funding is available for feature-length films at various script stages, including the First, Second, Third, or Subsequent Draft Script, or during Packaging.
- Funding is provided through one of the selective streams, which include the Indigenous Stream, ensuring that eligible projects align with cultural and development goals.
- Financial agreements are subject to the latest Accounting and Reporting Requirements (ARRs) effective from March 5, 2024.
- Final Cost Reporting is mandatory and must be submitted according to the templates defined for contracts signed from April 1, 2021, onwards.
- The program may include special initiatives, such as the Springboard Initiative, to support highly ranked but previously unsuccessful projects under the Production Program.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Development Program — Indigenous Stream supports the creation and advancement of feature-length films, specifically targeting projects within Indigenous communities. This initiative encourages the development of narratives by Indigenous Canadian filmmakers through various stages of scriptwriting and packaging.
- Development of first draft scripts for feature-length films.
- Refinement and enhancement of second draft scripts.
- Advancement of third or subsequent draft scripts to improve narrative quality.
- Film packaging to prepare projects for production phase.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 28,000
Developing storyboards and character design for an animated feature film about environmental conservation
$ 23,000
Research and script development for a biographical film about a prominent Canadian musician
$ 20,000
Developing interactive scripts for a comedy film featuring Black Canadian communities
$ 20,000
Developing script and funding research for a historical drama film set in 18th century Canada
$ 22,000
Script development and research for a sci-fi film exploring AI ethics in future societies
$ 27,500
Writing and research for a documentary film on the lives of Indigenous women in contemporary Canada
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business location and operations.
- The applicant must be a Canadian feature film production company.
- The company must have its head office in Canada.
- The company must carry out its activities in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Canadian feature film production companies that have their head office in Canada and carry out their activities within the country.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Development Program aims to finance Canadian feature films at various stages, including script development and packaging. Eligible projects can benefit from funding to advance through different program streams focusing on supporting diverse creative expressions.
- First Draft Script development for feature-length films.
- Second Draft Script enhancement for cinematic projects.
- Third or Subsequent Draft Script revisions for film narratives.
- Packaging activities to prepare a film project for production.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to Canadian feature film production companies, specifically requiring them to have their head office and carry out their activities within Canada. The eligible geographic areas are limited to the national boundaries of Canada to support its domestic film industry.
- Companies with their head office located in Canada.
- Entities conducting their business activities within Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Quality and originality of the project concept
- Potential for artistic and commercial success
- Experience and track record of the key personnel involved
- Ability to meet the program's objectives and guidelines
grant_single_labels|apply
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grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The Development Program includes a special Springboard Initiative for projects unsuccessful in the Production Program but with high rankings, starting in summer 2024.
- IT support for applications is only available on business days until 5:00 pm EST.
- Eligible companies will be notified of their eligibility and funding limits via Dialogue on June 21, 2024, for the Prequalified Stream.
- A variety of updated documents, including guidelines and essential information, were released in June and July 2024.
- Final reporting requires submission of cost reports, with templates available for different contract periods.
- There's a strict deadline for applications, closing at 11:59 PM EST on September 23, 2024.
- Applicants are encouraged to keep up to date with latest program updates directly via email.
Apply to this program
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