Closed
Source verified April 9, 2026
Production program — Indigenous stream
Funding for Canadian feature film production
Latest source updateLast Update: April 9, 2026Latest change: The Production Program page was updated with revised application documents, apply-now flow, and key dates content.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Latest change: The Production Program page was updated with revised application documents, apply-now flow, and key dates content.
Production Program updated
The Production Program page now reflects updated application documents and declarations, including materials tied to the Indigenous Stream and OLMC-produced projects. The application section and key dates area also appear to have changed, so applicants should review the current page before applying.
Funding available
$ 250,000 - $ 4,000,000
Deadline
February 10, 2026
Opened January 27, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Telefilm supports Canadian feature films at the production or post-production stage, with funding up to $4 million depending on project budget and language. The program covers feature film production, post-production, and Indigenous Stream projects, with applications submitted through Dialogue.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop team skills
- Increase social or community impact
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 4,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 49% of project cost
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
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Production of Canadian feature-length fiction films.
- Post-production of Canadian feature-length fiction films.
- Indigenous Stream feature film projects.
Documents Needed
- Distribution agreement or deal memo.
- Audience engagement and discoverability plan.
- Production company and distribution company approvals.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian audiovisual production companies.
- Canadian-controlled corporations with a head office in Canada.
- Companies carrying out their activities in Canada.
- Broadcaster-affiliated production companies outside Quebec that meet the basic criteria.
- Indigenous-owned production companies for the Indigenous Stream.
Who is not eligible
- Companies that are not Canadian-controlled.
- Businesses without a head office and active operations in Canada.
- Companies not operating as audiovisual production companies.
- Production companies primarily involved in documentary projects under this program.
Eligible expenses
- Project production and post-production costs.
- Greenlight costs such as final script work, financing agreements, cast attachment, and early pre-production.
- Remote location shoot costs for eligible Indigenous Stream projects.
- Capacity-building and training costs for eligible Indigenous Stream projects.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects done for or produced by a government agency.
- Projects produced primarily for industrial, corporate, or institutional purposes.
- Advertising projects.
- Student projects.
- Documentary or non-fiction projects.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Originality and creative quality.
- Track record and experience of key creative personnel.
- Financial and creative viability.
- Cultural impact and audience reach potential.
- Project contribution to diversity of voices and Canadian point of view.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program materials
- Read the guidelines, essential information guide, and required documents list.
- Check the opening dates for the relevant stream and project category.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Complete the online application form in Dialogue.
- Prepare and upload all required supporting documents in one language only.
- Step 3: Submit in Dialogue
- Submit the full application through Dialogue before the closing date.
- Provide any missing documents within the notice period if the file is incomplete.
- Step 4: After submission
- Respond to any follow-up requests from Telefilm.
- If approved, proceed to contracting with the Business Affairs team.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by advisory committees.
- Committees score eligible projects using an evaluation grid and rank them by priority.
- Telefilm may apply shortlisting in high-demand portfolios.
- Funding decisions are targeted within 80 business days after the closing date for complete applications.
- If approved, the Business Affairs team turns the offer into a contractual commitment.
Additional information
- Applications are submitted through Dialogue.
- Incomplete applications may get 5 business days to provide missing documents.
- Telefilm may use a shortlisting process for high-demand portfolios.
- All information submitted is subject to access to information and privacy laws.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Production program — Indigenous stream Program
What is the Production program — Indigenous stream?
Telefilm supports Canadian feature films at the production or post-production stage, with funding up to $4 million depending on project budget and language. The program covers feature film production, post-production, and Indigenous Stream projects, with applications submitted through Dialogue.
How much funding can be received?
Production program — Indigenous stream Funds up to 49% of admissible expenses, capped at $4,000,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was February 10, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Production program — Indigenous stream program?
To be eligible for the Production program — Indigenous stream program, you must:
Canadian-controlled production company
Feature-length fiction project
Production or post-production stage
What expenses are eligible under Production program — Indigenous stream?
Production of Canadian feature-length fiction films.
Post-production of Canadian feature-length fiction films.
Indigenous Stream feature film projects.
Who can I contact for more information about the Production program — Indigenous stream?
You can contact Telefilm Canada by email at coordination@telefilm.ca or by phone at 438-806-4865.
Where is the Production program — Indigenous stream available?
The Production program — Indigenous stream program is available across Canada.