WINNIPEG – The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) will provide $750,000 over three years and Telefilm Canada will put $1.2 million toward the implementation of a professional Aboriginal mentorship program.
The program, which will be administered by Telefilm Canada, is aimed at assisting Aboriginal filmmakers in the creation of feature films.
A framework for the program will be developed with the objectives of providing support to mid-career level Aboriginal audiovisual professionals and companies in their professional and industrial development; creating opportunities for the development of long-lasting relationships between industry decision makers and Aboriginal creators; and in the long term, providing Aboriginal creators with the skills and tools to better access Telefilm Canada’s main funds.
“We at APTN are very excited to have entered into this partnership with Telefilm Canada,” said APTN Chief Executive Officer Jean LaRose. “APTN has played an integral role in the development of the Aboriginal production community over the past eight years and will now play a significant role in the advancement of Aboriginal producers looking to break into the realm of feature films.”
Telefilm Canada anticipates the “initiative will stimulate production of culturally significant stories which show the richness and diversity of Aboriginal Peoples from across the country on a grander scale,” according to a media release.
