Bi-Weekly Newsletter
| NFDC is committed to playing a key role in keeping you informed of the latest news and support systems in place for screen-based artists during the COVID-19 outbreak. |
Resources and Opportunities
- The federal government is planning to require that broadcasters fund Indigenous programming, saying it will correct a “historical mistake” in the sector. Cabinet will make the order as part of a policy directive to Canada’s broadcasting regulator in the coming months after a bill to change the Broadcasting Act passes Parliament.“It is going to become an obligation to do Indigenous [programming],” Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault said in an interview. “It’s not just going to be a nice-to-have. You’ll have to do it.”Jesse Wente, Executive Director of the Indigenous Screen Office, said he welcomed the news and looked forward to details on how the promise is implemented. “It’s a long time coming,” he said. “But we’re thrilled that this time is here. The community and the storytellers – and, I think, Canada – is exactly at the right moment for this.”
- Pangnirtung’s own Joey Nowyuk took the first place spot for Best Music Video for Novice Artists at the Indigenous Music Awards (IMA), putting the small hamlet on the map all across the country. Read the article here.
- The National Film Board (NFB) has created film playlists for every province and territory in Canada. The playlist for Nunavut features 15 films including Pangnirtung, Angry Inuk and Nowhere Land. You can watch them all here.
- Carved in Stone: Sanannguaqtit ᓴᓇᓐᖑᐊᖅᑎᑦ, produced by OSM member Angela Heck of Fringe Filmworks, has been featured in an article by the Winnipeg Free Press and Nunatsiaq News.
- Government of Canada is partnering with private sector and diversity organizations to develop a 50-30 Challenge to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within corporate Canada. The 50-30 Challenge will be a bottom-up, co-created and nationally recognized achievement in the business world. visit 50-30 Challenge Webpage to learn more.
- The Canada Media Fund released details of the Development Pilot Program – Experienced Producers. This program supports projects in the development stage by experienced producers where no Canadian broadcaster is attached. The total amount of funding available in the program is $3M, divided on a 2/3 English and 1/3 French basis. Eligible projects must be in the Drama, Children & Youth or Documentary genres. Click here to access the guidelines. Click here to apply between November 26, 2020 and January 21, 2021.
- The Canada Media Fund (CMF) and Shaw Rocket Fund (SRF) today announced they are renewing their partnership to fund the production of Canadian digital animated series for children and youth audiences that encourages the use of new technology. Applications for financing through this Program must be submitted to SRF by January 6, 2021. Click here to access the program guidelines.
- As reported in C21 Media, Blue Ant Media is following the lead of other prominent companies such as Corus Entertainment, Rogers Sports & Media and Bell Media and encouraging diversity and inclusivity by requiring future original productions to use HireBIPOC.
- On November 17, Hot Docs will publicly release the Unlimited Festival Pass for its 2021 Festival, which will take place April 29 to May 9.
- Call for Submissions is now open for Yorkton Film Festival 2021! Choose from seventeen entry categories and up to six accompanying categories to enter your film. All entries are adjudicated by members of the Canadian film industry across the country. All of our submissions are handled through FilmFreeway. visit their website for more info.
- The annual Ice Finger Commission is accepting applications for $500 towards the creation of short and feature film screenplays by LGBTQ2S+ writers. Email icefingercommission@gmail.com for guidelines or to apply by November 30 at noon.
- The Canada Media Fund (CMF) announced additional measures to support screen-based creators, organizations and businesses from racialized communities. The CMF is pleased to announce it has doubled funding to the COVID Emergency Relief Funds to Black and People of Colour, to $8M from the previously announced $4M.
Following extensive consultation with Black and People of Colour (BPOC) in the industry, the CMF is releasing criteria to access COVID-19 Emergency Relief Funds for companies Owned by Black People and People of Colour. Click here to access the criteria. Click here to apply before December 17, 2020.
- Hot Docs Festival Film Submissions – NOW OPEN
Regular Deadline: November 18, 2020
Late Deadline: December 16, 2020
Late submissions accepted to January 7, 2021. Higher fees apply.
Hot Docs Forum and Deal Maker Submissions – NOW OPEN
Forum Deadline: January 4, 2021
Pitch your film to over 200 leading industry decision makers at North America’s most effective market event.
Deal Maker Deadline: January 4, 202