Closed
Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program
Funding for established Canadian film festivals
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 6, 2026
- Closing date : January 27, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
This program provides non-repayable support of up to 10% of a festival budget, to a maximum of CAD 250,000. It supports established medium to large-scale film festivals in Canada, including programming, communications, production, administration, and complementary activities such as film markets.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Enhance an existing program
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 10% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 6, 2026
- Closing date : January 27, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- General public
- Artists / creatives
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Medium to large-scale film festivals in Canada
- Complementary festival activities such as film markets
- Promotional, professional, and audience-development activities held during the festival
Documents Needed
- Corporate information form
- Activity proposal
- Audience development and engagement proposal
- Budget and final cost report template
- Financial statements and required ticketing reports, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian-controlled corporations
- Film, television, or digital media organizations
- Established medium to large-scale film festivals in Canada
Who is not eligible
- Student or amateur film festivals
- Screening series
- Festivals focused on TV, XR, podcasts, or web content
- Online-only festivals
- Broadcast-only festivals
Eligible expenses
- Programming costs
- Communication and promotion costs
- Production costs
- Administrative costs directly linked to the funded festival
- Eligible salaries, professional fees, and direct expenses
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Year-round costs not tied to the funded festival dates
- Online-only or broadcast-only festivals
- Administrative costs above the allowed limit
- Costs already covered by another entity or program
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Promotion and support of Canadian content and talent: 40
- Audience development and engagement: 25
- Fiscal and operational management and reporting: 20
- Inclusion and environmental sustainability: 15
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare application
- Complete the Dialogue application form.
- Gather the required documents and templates.
- Prepare the festival description, activity proposal, audience proposal, and budget.
- Step 2: Submit online
- Upload all required documents in Dialogue.
- Submit during the correct intake period for your festival dates.
- Ensure the application is complete before sending.
- Step 3: After submission
- Respond if Telefilm asks for missing or additional information.
- Wait for review and decision from Telefilm.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed against eligibility and evaluation criteria.
- Telefilm may consult external advisors during assessment.
- Funding decisions also reflect portfolio balance and diversity objectives.
- Approved applicants receive a funding agreement before support is provided.
- Final cost reports are reviewed and funding may be reduced based on reported costs.
Additional information
- Applications must be submitted during the program’s intake period.
- Applications are submitted through Dialogue.
- Incomplete applications may be automatically rejected.
- Telefilm may request additional information or documents.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program Program
What is the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program?
This program provides non-repayable support of up to 10% of a festival budget, to a maximum of CAD 250,000. It supports established medium to large-scale film festivals in Canada, including programming, communications, production, administration, and complementary activities such as film markets.
How much funding can be received?
Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses, capped at $250,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was January 27, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program program?
To be eligible for the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program program, you must:
Canadian-controlled organization
At least 7 festival editions
Minimum CAD 300,000 activity budget
What expenses are eligible under Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program?
Medium to large-scale film festivals in Canada
Complementary festival activities such as film markets
Promotional, professional, and audience-development activities held during the festival
Who can I contact for more information about the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program?
You can contact Telefilm Canada by email at coordination@telefilm.ca or by phone at 438-806-4865.
Where is the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program available?
The Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program program is available across Canada.