Telefilm Canada last week announced an investment of $3.3 million in six indigenous film projects through the indigenous funding streams for the Theatrical Documentary Program and the Production Program in both the English and French markets.
“An annual commitment of $4 million is earmarked for Indigenous creators from Canada’s Indigenous communities, with the remainder amount reserved for Indigenous projects submitted through the Talent to Watch Program and the Development Program,” a Telefilm press release explains.
The six indigenous film projects receiving funding include three documentaries, two dramas and one comedy.
Indígena is a documentary from director and screenwriter Siku Allooloo, being produced in British Columbia by Arc-En-Ciel Films Inc., in English, Hiwatahia (Taíno) and Spanish.
From directors and screenwriters Olivia Ikey and Kim O’Bomsawin, documentary Inuguinq is being produced in Quebec in English and Inuinnaqtun by Terre Innue Inc.
Produced by Kannon Films Inc. in Ontario, Land of No Pain is an English- and Spanish-language documentary from director and screenwriter Émilie Martel.
Drama film Nika and Madison is directed by Eva Thomas and written by Thomas and Michael McGowan. Produced in Ontario by Redlight Feature Productions Inc., the film features the English and Ojibwa (Anishinaabemowin) languages.
Seventeen is an English-language drama from director and screenwriter Justin Ducharme, produced in British Columbia by Your Boy Productions and Experimental Forest Films Inc.
Smudge the Blades is an English and Cree comedy film from director and screenwriter Cody Lightning and writer Samuel Miller, being produced in Alberta by Lightning Mill Inc.
Telefilm said it received a high volume of applications under the indigenous funding stream this year, with the 18 projects assessed in this intake representing nearly $12.6 million in funding requests.
More funding decisions, including projects from the Theatrical Documentary Program for both English and French markets, will be announced in the coming weeks, Telefilm said.
