How much funding can be received?

Get a non-repayable contribution of up to $500,000, or an equity investment, to cover up to 49% of the production or post-production costs for a primarily English-language feature-length fictional film.

grant_single_labels|projects

Projects eligible for the Canada Feature Film Fund Production Program involve the creation and completion of feature-length fictional films. These films must meet specific criteria and aim for significant cultural impact and audience engagement.

Production or completion of a feature-length fictional film (at least 75 minutes long) in English, French, or an Indigenous language.
Film targeting the Canadian theatrical market with potential for distribution on alternate platforms.
Films under Canadian ownership and creative control, satisfying Canadian content certification requirements.
Projects directed, written, and produced by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Films with a budget not less than $250,000, fulfilling set financial viability and audience reach criteria.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$149,450

Production of a suspense thriller film set

$143,080

Family adventure film set

$176,400

Sci-fi action film production located

$172,970

Animated feature film focusing on environmental themes

$187,670

Creation of a historical drama film based

$153,860

Production of a romantic comedy set

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the company's profile and structure.

The applicant must be a Canadian-controlled corporation, as determined under sections 26 to 28 of the Investment Canada Act.
The applicant must have its head office and carry out its activities in Canada.
The applicant must operate as an audiovisual production company.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Canada Feature Film Fund Production Program is open to Canadian-controlled corporations operating as audiovisual production companies with head offices in Canada. Key creative personnel and copyright ownership must meet Canadian citizenship or residency requirements.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant outlines certain ineligible project types rather than specific companies or industries, focusing on the nature of the projects themselves. These restrictions ensure that funds are allocated to projects that align with the cultural and creative objectives of the fund.

Projects done on contract for, or produced by, a government agency.
Projects produced primarily for industrial, corporate, or institutional purposes.
Advertising projects.
Student projects.
Projects using film as a tool to record or document existing artworks.
Documentary or non-drama projects.
Conventional forms of television entertainment, such as pilots, movies-of-the-week, news reports.
Projects not destined for a theatrical or festival audience.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the production of feature films under the Canada Feature Film Fund.

Telefilm’s financing may be used for the production costs of feature-length fictional films.
Encoding and subtitling or dubbing costs should be included in production budgets.
Closed-captioned version for hearing impaired productions available as widely as possible.
Dubbing costs included in the production budget (excluding the Marketing Program).
Cost associated with the final polish of the script, attaching cast, and early pre-production eligible for greenlight advances.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is primarily available to production companies that are based in Canada, as the program is intended to support Canadian productions.

Companies must be Canadian-controlled corporations with a head office in Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific creative, professional, and strategic criteria, ensuring alignment with the Canada Feature Film Fund's objectives and priorities.

Creative Elements: Evaluation of the project's originality, quality of the script, director’s vision, and community engagement plan.
Track record of Key Creative Personnel: Assessment of the past experience and success of the producer(s), director(s), and screenwriter(s), including critical acclaim and audience reach.
Project Viability: Analysis of the financial and creative feasibility of the project, including the level of committed market interest.
Cultural Impact and Audience Reach Potential: Consideration of how the project’s promotional strategy, potential appeal to Canadian and international audiences, and cultural significance can contribute to the Canadian film landscape.
For Audiovisual Treaty Coproductions: Evaluation of investment optimization, capacity building, and visibility and promotion of Canada's audiovisual industry, with specific criteria adjustments for minority coproductions.

grant_single_labels|register

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

Step 1: Online Registration
Create or log into your account on the Telefilm Canada portal, known as Dialogue.
Ensure that your company's details are up-to-date in the system.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
Review Telefilm's list of required documents on their website.
Prepare all necessary documents to support your application, including project proposal, budget, and relevant commitments.
Step 3: Application Submission
Use the Dialogue platform to submit your application.
Ensure all required documents are uploaded and your application is complete.
If additional materials are needed post-submission, submit them through the Dialogue platform.
Contact your regional coordinator for technical difficulties.
Step 4: Observe Submission Timelines
Refer to the Program webpage for specific opening and closing dates for application submissions related to your project and stream.
Submit prior to commencement of principal photography (for production funding) or before picture lock (for completion funding).

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Telefilm aims for its participation to be approximately one third of eligible Canadian production costs.
Projects funded by Telefilm must be made available in both official languages, subtitled or dubbed, and have a closed-captioned version available.
Telefilm may provide greenlight advances under specific conditions, which will count towards its total funding for the project.
An Indigenous Stream is available, which sets aside funds for projects by Indigenous filmmakers to overcome unique barriers in the audiovisual industry.
Advisory committees evaluate projects using an evaluation grid and provide a priority ranking based on different portfolios, such as language market and budget level.
Telefilm's decision-making considers the objective of fostering a diversity of voices to ensure project funding reflects various genres, budgets, and perspectives.

grant_single_labels|documents

Production program — English market budgets under $3.5M

Apply to this program

Explore the Canada Feature Film Fund for Your Next Production

The Canada Feature Film Fund Production Program provides essential support to Canadian production companies in the production and post-production stages, aiming to produce feature films that resonate with both domestic and international audiences. Prioritizing cultural impact and diversity, the program is open to filmmakers seeking to advance their artistic careers with projects that reflect Canada’s rich cultural tapestry.

In-Depth Insights into the Canada Feature Film Fund

The Canada Feature Film Fund (CFFF) Production Program is integral to fostering a dynamic and diverse film industry in Canada. Administered by Telefilm Canada, this program offers substantial funding for both emerging and established filmmakers, ensuring that Canadian stories have a place on the global stage. The program's primary intent is to invest in feature films that contribute significantly to Canada's cultural legacy — films that resonate not merely within Canada but beyond its borders, enhancing Canada's cultural narrative and influencing international cinematic expressions.

Applicants to the CFFF must be Canadian-controlled corporations actively operating as audiovisual production companies. This stipulation ensures that the filmmaking talent supported by the fund is truly representative of Canadian voices. The program is designed to be inclusive, placing a strong emphasis on diversity and representation. It encourages the creation of films that showcase a wide array of cultural perspectives, including voices from Indigenous, Black, and marginalized communities, thus reflecting Canada’s diverse society.

Projects eligible for this funding must be feature-length fictitious films with a Canadian essence and must primarily aim for the Canadian theatrical market, supplemented with alternate distribution channels. The CFFF welcomes projects in French, English, or Indigenous languages, acknowledging the linguistic diversity within Canada. Furthermore, to maintain a significant Canadian connection, projects need to be directed and written by Canadian citizens or permanent residents, ensuring authentic representation of Canadian perspectives and narratives through the medium of film.

In terms of funding, the program provides incredible flexibility and thorough support, with financing methods tailored to suit a variety of production needs. The amount of funding varies, generally not exceeding 49% of the Canadian production costs, allowing for a substantial injection of financial support which can significantly impact the production quality and distribution reach of the films. This financial model aims to stimulate the film production landscape in Canada by making these projects financially viable and attractive for additional investors.

Moreover, the CFFF Production Program places a significant emphasis on community engagement plans. Applicants are encouraged to outline how their projects will engage with and reflect the communities they depict, ensuring that films are made with sensitivity and authenticity, particularly those involving Indigenous narratives. This approach not only fosters responsible storytelling but also empowers local communities by involving them in the creative process, promoting on-the-ground cultural understanding and appreciation.

The evaluation process for projects seeking support through the CFFF is multifaceted, taking into account the creative vision, the track record of the key creative personnel, the financial and creative feasibility of the project, as well as its potential cultural impact and audience reach. Telefilm Canada utilizes a rigorous assessment to shortlist projects, ensuring that only those with significant merit and the potential for successful cultural resonance receive backing.

Finally, the Indigenous Stream of the CFFF underscores Telefilm Canada's commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices in the film industry. This dedicated fund ensures that Indigenous-led projects are given the resources they need to thrive, thus enabling the preservation and propagation of Indigenous storytelling traditions through contemporary media. This initiative is critical in maintaining narrative sovereignty for Indigenous creators, supporting stories that are deeply rooted in indigenous perspectives and produced with the utmost respect for cultural protocols.

In summary, the Canada Feature Film Fund Production Program is a critical mechanism for supporting the Canadian film industry, ensuring that a diverse array of stories and perspectives continue to enrich cultural landscapes both within and outside Canada. It serves as a catalyst for innovation, inclusivity, and cultural dialogue, making it an invaluable asset for filmmakers seeking to shape and share their unique Canadian narratives with the world.