Closed
Source verified April 29, 2026
Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund
Funding for African documentary projects
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Documentary filmmakers and production companies in eligible African countries
See full eligibility
Overview
This fund supports documentary projects from eligible African countries, with up to one funding amount available per project. It is designed for documentary development and production, including co-productions with international partners that meet the fund’s requirements.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and production of documentary films
- International documentary co-productions involving an eligible African partner
Documents Needed
- Government-issued incorporation documents for the production company, if applicable
- Co-production agreement, for co-productions
- Supporting footage such as a teaser, trailer, sample scenes, or other visual material
- English translation or summary for supporting materials in another language
- Proof of rights or clearances, where relevant to the project
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Documentary filmmakers and production companies in eligible African countries
- African documentary co-productions with international partners
Who is not eligible
- Applicants from countries outside the eligible African country list
- Projects without the required African primary partner in international co-productions
- Projects without the required African director and producer in international co-productions
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Project dossier or lookbook as supporting material
Eligible geographic areas
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Republic of the Congo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ivory Coast
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Swaziland
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare application materials
- Gather the project materials and required supporting documents.
- Ensure any non-English material includes an English translation or summary.
- Step 2: Submit in English
- Submit the application in English only.
- Include supporting footage such as a teaser, trailer, sample scenes, or other accepted visual material.
- Step 3: Wait for confirmation
- Staff will confirm receipt and completeness of the submission within four weeks.
- Step 4: Await decision
- The selection committee’s decision is sent by email approximately four months after the application deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Submission is confirmed by staff within four weeks.
- The selection committee’s decision is sent by email about four months after the deadline.
- Successful projects are announced publicly after notification.
Additional information
- Applications are accepted in English only.
- Supporting materials in other languages need an English translation or summary.
- Applicants are notified of receipt within four weeks.
- Successful projects are announced publicly after the selection decision.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund Program
What is the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund?
This fund supports documentary projects from eligible African countries, with up to one funding amount available per project. It is designed for documentary development and production, including co-productions with international partners that meet the fund’s requirements.
Who is eligible for the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund program?
To be eligible for the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund program, you must:
Documentary projects from eligible African countries
Applicants with relevant professional credits
Co-productions meeting African partner requirements
What expenses are eligible under Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund?
Development and production of documentary films
International documentary co-productions involving an eligible African partner
Who can I contact for more information about the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund?
You can contact Hot Docs by email at funds@hotdocs.ca.
Where is the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund available?
The Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund?
Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund is funded by Hot Docs