How much funding can be received?

The General Admission Festivals Program provides financial support to small and/or emerging Canadian film festivals, offering a maximum funding amount of $15,000. Its purpose is to promote Canadian films and talent while stimulating demand for diverse multi-screen content.

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This grant supports small and emerging Canadian film festivals that aim to promote Canadian films and talent while stimulating demand for multi-screen content. The eligible projects focus on organizing public film festivals that meet specific criteria.

Organizing Canadian film festivals that are open to the general public and have completed at least two editions previously.
Festivals that run for at least three consecutive days in the same location.
Festivals that included a minimum of five feature films and 15% Canadian works in previous editions.
Festivals that commit to showcasing a minimum of five feature films (or equivalent) and 15% Canadian content in the current edition.

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Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's corporate and operational status.

The applicant must have a head office in Canada.
The applicant must be a Canadian-controlled corporation.
The applicant must operate within the film, television, or digital media sectors.

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Canadian-controlled corporations who:- Have their head office in Canada.- Work in the film, television, or digital media sectors.- Organize festivals that have had at least 2 editions before the one for which funding is requested.

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This grant has specific eligibility criteria, but the information provided does not explicitly state which types of companies or industries are not eligible. Therefore, detailed exclusions or restrictions cannot be determined based on the available context.

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The grant funding provided by Telefilm must be used to cover expenses directly associated with the programming, promotion, execution, and administration of the festival.

Expenses related to festival programming.
Costs associated with festival promotion.
Execution-related expenses.
Administrative expenses for the festival.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies that have their head office located within Canada. Organizations must be Canadian-controlled and functioning within prescribed geographic parameters.

Organizations must have their head office in Canada.

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The evaluation and selection of projects for the General Admission Festivals Program are based on specific criteria to ensure they align with the program's goals and objectives.

Conformity of the festival with the program's objectives.
The reach and format of the festival.
Promotion of Canadian content and talent.
The applicant's history in fulfilling contractual obligations to Telefilm, including timely reporting.
Consideration of the diversity of voices, prioritizing festivals that focus on works from underrepresented communities.
Preference for festivals conducted in a hybrid or in-person format.
Equitable and balanced regional representation and voice diversity in festival selection.

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Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
Access the General Admission Festivals Program page on Telefilm Canada's website.
Download and read the updated guidelines, the Essential Information Guide, and the List of Required Documents.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
Complete the Application Form Preview and Guide – General Admission.
Provide Corporate Information for Organizations Without a Share Capital if applicable.
Ensure you have any additional forms and information as required by the List of Required Documents.
Step 3: Submit Application via Dialogue
Create or log into your account on the Dialogue platform.
Upload the completed application form and all required documents.
Submit the application within the specified submission period for your festival dates.
Step 4: Confirmation
Receive an acknowledgment or confirmation of your submission through Dialogue.
Retain a copy of the submission confirmation for your records.

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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Applicants are encouraged to contact their regional representative for guidance before submitting a first-time application.
Applications must be submitted online via the Dialogue platform.
Telefilm may exercise discretion regarding the minimum number of Canadian works included in festival programming.
Funding is limited, and meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee receipt of funding.
Documents submitted with the application must comply with Telefilm's specified list of required documents.
Funding recipients are subject to compliance with both historical and current contractual obligations with Telefilm.
Projects involving hybrid or in-person festival formats may receive preferential evaluation.
Telefilm reserves the right to modify guidelines and application forms as necessary.
Information related to the application is subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.

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438-806-4865

Apply to this program

Funding Support for Emerging Canadian Film Festivals

This grant offers financial assistance to small and emerging film festivals in Canada, aiming to bolster the promotion of Canadian films and talents to broader audiences. The program is dedicated to fostering diversity, inclusion, and sustainability within the Canadian film industry.

In-Depth Exploration of the General Admission Festivals Program

The General Admission Festivals Program is an initiative by Telefilm Canada designed to support small and emerging film festivals across Canada. This program, through financial grants, enhances the ability of festivals to showcase the rich and diverse cinematic talent present in the country. This initiative is particularly significant as it emphasizes the importance of engaging with general audiences, thereby extending the reach of Canadian film culture beyond traditional boundaries and into diverse communities.

To qualify for this program, applicants must demonstrate key compliance with specific eligibility criteria, which include being Canadian-controlled corporations with a primary focus on the film, television, or digital media sectors. Moreover, potential beneficiaries of the grant must have orchestrated at least two editions of their festival prior to the one for which funding is requested. Such stringent criteria ensure that the funding goes to well-organized entities that have demonstrated a commitment to promoting Canadian content.

This program is not only centered on financial support but also aims to build a balanced portfolio of film festivals representing varied missions and geographical locations. High on its agenda is the support for festivals that celebrate a wide array of voices, including First Peoples, Black communities, People of Color, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, women, and other historically marginalized groups. By prioritizing equity, diversity, and sustainable practices, the program ensures a comprehensive representation within the film industry and aligns with Telefilm Canada’s strategic goals.

The program offers financial contributions ranging from CAD 5,000 to potentially up to CAD 15,000, depending on the availability of funds and the number of qualified applications. The funding is intended to be used predominantly for immediate festival-related expenses such as programming, promotional activities, and administrative costs—ensuring that the funds are directed towards the festival's core operational needs.

In addition, Telefilm Canada considers the pandemic's impact on these events and encourages festivals to comply with public health guidelines to ensure safety. This flexibility and attention to current global challenges demonstrate the grant's adaptability and its commitment to the wellbeing of festival stakeholders and audiences alike.

Application for this funding is facilitated through an online platform called Dialogue, simplifying the submission process for applicants. First-time applicants are encouraged to liaise with regional representatives to aid in the process, ensuring clarity and increasing the chances of a successful application. Each step is meticulously designed to enhance accessibility and procedural transparency for all participating festivals.

Ultimately, the General Admission Festivals Program speaks to a broader vision of nurturing the Canadian film ecosystem, supporting small festivals to reach their full potential, and fostering a diverse, equitable cultural landscape across the nation. By encouraging these events to shine a light on Canadian stories and artists, the grant program not only supports individual festivals but contributes to a vibrant, more inclusive film industry in Canada.