Theatrical documentary program — Indigenous stream
PE, Canada
Funding for Indigenous-owned documentary projects
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMarch 19, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateApril 12, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Telefilm Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
If you’re producing a feature-length documentary that demonstrates potential success at the box office, and your copyright is at least 51% Indigenous-owned, you could get 49% of your production costs covered, up to $175,000. Projects in post-production ca
grant_single_labels|projects
- Feature-length documentary projects in production and post-production
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$68,600
Winnipeg
Creating a documentary on the historical role of Métis women in fostering community
$61,250
Toronto
Producing a documentary on the integration of Indigenous art in urban spaces of Toronto
$73,500
Vancouver
Producing a documentary on the cultural heritage of the Haida people
$66,150
Iqaluit
Development of a documentary exploring the impacts of climate change on Inuit communities
$61,250
Montreal
Documentary project examining the revitalization of Indigenous languages
$58,800
Saskatoon
Creating a documentary on Indigenous agricultural practices
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Theatrical Documentary Program grant, Canadian audiovisual production companies must meet the following criteria:
1. Have their head office in Canada.
2. Carry out their activities in Canada.
For more details and specific requirements, it is recommended to review the program guidelines and essential information guide provided by the program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Canadian audiovisual production companies with their head office in Canada carrying out activities in Canada
grant_single_labels|criteria
Evaluation and selection criteria for this grant are as follows:
- Quality and clarity of the proposal
- Viability of the project
- Creativity and innovation
- Market potential and audience appeal
- Experience and capacity of the production team
- Budget and financing plan
- Contribution to the diversity of Canadian stories and perspectives
grant_single_labels|register
To apply for the Theatrical Documentary Program grant, follow these steps:
1. Review the guidelines, essential information guide, and evaluation grid provided on Telefilm Canada's website.
2. Make sure your Canadian audiovisual production company meets the eligibility criteria including having its head office in Canada and carrying out activities in Canada.
3. Prepare all the required application documents and templates such as the Standard Budget Template, Production Sustainability Plan Template, and Declarations mentioned in the program resources.
4. Submit your application through Dialogue during the application period.
5. Stay updated on any program changes or updates by checking the website regularly.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- Applicants should carefully review all program guidelines and essential information before applying.
- Ensure that all required documents are prepared and submitted correctly through the Dialogue platform.
- Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the program guidelines.
- It is important to adhere to the key dates and deadlines for the application process.
- For any specific inquiries or additional information, applicants can contact the designated program representatives listed in the contact section.
Apply to this program
Theatrical Documentary Program
The Theatrical Documentary Program offers financial support to Canadian audiovisual production companies to create feature-length documentaries during production and post-production stages. The program focuses on projects that have a significant cultural, social, or artistic impact and are intended for theatrical release.
Detailed Explanation of the Theatrical Documentary Program
The Theatrical Documentary Program is a critical initiative aimed at fostering the development of feature-length documentaries by providing financial backing to Canadian audiovisual production companies. This program is pivotal in ensuring that Canadian stories are told through documentaries that can reach broad audiences in theaters. Below is a comprehensive overview of the program, including eligibility criteria, application guidelines, key dates, and necessary documentation.
Who Can Apply
The program specifically targets Canadian audiovisual production companies. To be eligible, these companies must:
- Have their head office based in Canada.
- Operate primarily within Canada.
This emphasis ensures that the benefits of the program support the Canadian economy and cultural landscape, upholding national interests while promoting local talent and stories.
Program Overview
The program funds feature-length documentary projects that are either in the production or post-production stages. The emphasis is placed on documentaries that offer substantial cultural, social, or artistic contributions. The underlying objective is to reinforce Canada's presence in the international film industry by prioritizing high-quality, impactful works that are intended for theatrical release.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meticulously adhere to the eligibility criteria outlined in the program's guidelines. Key considerations include:
- The applicants should be Canadian audiovisual production firms with a significant operational footprint in Canada.
- Projects need to be at the production or post-production stages at the time of application.
- Proposals should demonstrate clear objectives and potential for theatrical release.
Application Process
The application process is structured to be rigorous yet transparent, ensuring that only qualified and impactful projects receive funding. Applicants must apply through the Dialogue platform, following a series of steps outlined below:
- Review Guidelines: It is critical that applicants thoroughly review the program's guidelines and eligibility criteria to ensure compliance.
- Prepare Documentation: Applicants must prepare a comprehensive portfolio of required documents, including the Standard Budget Template, Production Sustainability Plan, and various declarations.
- Submit Application: Complete the application through the Dialogue platform within the open window period.
IT support for the application process is available on business days until 5:00 pm EST to assist with any technical issues.
Key Dates
For the 2024 application cycle, the program opens on March 19 at 8:00 AM EDT and closes on April 11 at 11:59 PM EDT. Applicants must ensure that submissions are completed within these dates to be considered for funding.
Required Documentation
A meticulous approach to documentation is paramount. The following are some essential documents needed for the application:
- Standard Budget Template: A detailed budget outlining the financial requirements and allocations for the project.
- Production Sustainability Plan: This outlines the measures and strategies put in place to ensure sustainable production practices.
- Declarations:
- Declaration of Canadian Status of Corporation and Corporate Information
- Declaration of Related-Party Transactions at Final Costs
- Declaration Regarding Indigenous Stream (if applicable)
- Summary of Audience Engagement / Discoverability Plan: A detailed plan on how the documentary will engage audiences and be discoverable.
Evaluation and Decision-Making
The evaluation of applications is carried out by a specialized advisory committee that reviews proposals based on a comprehensive evaluation grid. The grid helps in assessing the potential impact, feasibility, and quality of the documentary projects. The evaluation process includes considering:
- The cultural, social, or artistic impact of the project.
- The project’s readiness in terms of production or post-production stages.
- The potential for the documentary's theatrical release and audience engagement.
The decision-making process is designed to be transparent and objective, ensuring that the most deserving projects receive the necessary financial support.
Equity and Inclusion
The Theatrical Documentary Program also places a significant emphasis on equity and inclusion, encouraging projects from diverse voices and perspectives. For any questions related to equity and inclusion, applicants can reach out to the designated contacts for more information.
Contacts for Further Information
The program offers specific contacts for various regions and inquiries:
- Atlantic Region: Lori McCurdy – Phone: 902-334-1365; Email: lori.mccurdy@telefilm.ca
- Quebec (English Market): Peggy Lainis – Phone: 438-469-1197; Email: peggy.lainis@telefilm.ca
- Quebec (French Market): Anita Damiani – Phone: 438-469-1155; Email: anita.damiani@telefilm.ca
- Ontario & Nunavut: Melissa Amer – Phone: 647-475-4858; Email: melissa.amer@telefilm.ca
- Western Region: Kim Hsu Guise – Phone: 778-309-1779; Email: kimhsu.guise@telefilm.ca
- Equity and Inclusion (English Market): Ayesha Husain – Phone: 647-475-4914; Email: ayesha.husain@telefilm.ca
- Equity and Inclusion (French Market): Hager Namly – Phone: 438-469-1178; Email: hager.namly@telefilm.ca
- Indigenous Liaison: Adriana Chartrand – Phone: 647-475-4911; Email: adriana.chartrand@telefilm.ca
Conclusion
The Theatrical Documentary Program is an invaluable resource for Canadian audiovisual production companies, offering the necessary financial support to develop feature-length documentaries that can resonate with audiences both domestically and internationally. With a focus on cultural, social, and artistic impact, the program not only elevates Canadian content but also ensures that diverse voices and stories are brought to the forefront. By adhering to the detailed guidelines and ensuring timely submissions, applicants can significantly enhance their chances of securing funding and contributing to Canada's rich documentary landscape.
