Theatrical documentary program
Who can apply
Canadian production companies in search of financing for their feature-length documentary projects in production and post-production.
Overview of the program
All projects will be initially assessed against the Program’s goal to build larger audiences for Canadian feature-length documentaries in theatres thus helping to achieve the objectives of the CFFF. Eligible projects will also be evaluated on their overall creative merit, relevance and accessibility to theatrical audiences, as well as the potential of the project to succeed at the box-office. Telefilm will take into account the following elements:
- For production applications: all the creative elements including the originality, quality and production-readiness of the script, the creative plan and the director’s vision for the film
- For post-production applications: the artistic quality and potential of the film to reach audiences
- Track record of the production company
- Track Record of the Key Creative Personnel
- Project Viability
- Theatrical Potential, Promotion Strategy and Audience Reach Potential
Telefilm will, for projects of comparable quality, prioritize projects whose key creatives (director and/or screenwriter and/or producer) self-identify as Racialized Persons (including, but not limited to, Black and People of Colour), Indigenous, women, and members of Official Language Minority Communities.
Overview of eligibility requirements
All applicants must meet a list of criteria, including the following:
- be a Canadian controlled corporation, with its head office in Canada and carry out its activities in Canada
- producers and other key members of the production team must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Broadcaster-affiliated production companies are eligible to apply with projects in the English market only
All projects must meet the following criteria:
- be a feature length documentary film targeted primarily at Canadian theatrical audiences
- be either in English, French, or an Indigenous language
- be directed by a Canadian citizen
- have a firm commitment from an eligible Canadian distribution company
Indigenous stream:
Telefilm will set aside funding for projects by Canadian filmmakers from Indigenous communities. These projects will be assessed by an external jury having Indigenous representation. Applicant companies applying for funding under this Stream will have to show that:
-
- at least 51% of the project’s copyright is held by a production company majority-owned and controlled by Indigenous Persons
- the project shall be under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons;
- two of the three key members of the creative team (producer, director or screenwriter) are Indigenous
Please consult the guidelines for a complete list of eligibility requirements.
Latest updates
Update to the guidelines
A new version of the guidelines is now online
Essential Information Guide
The Essential Information Guide is now online
Required documents
The List of Required Documents is now online
Update to the guidelines
A new version of the guidelines is now online
Update to the guidelines
Changes to the Theatrical Production Program
Guidelines
Current
Previous
Key dates
For all projects, from all regions (excluding the Indigenous Stream)
English, French or Indigenous language
The opening dates for the Indigenous Stream will be announced soon.
For all projects, from all regions (excluding the Indigenous Stream)
English, French or Indigenous language
Resources
List of Required Documents
Designation of Main Applicant and Sharing of Project Score
List of Library and Archives Canada (LAC) Requirements for Feature Films
Authorization/revocation of representative with regards to Telefilm
Questionnaire on the independence of the independent auditor
Declarations & affidavits
Declaration of Canadian Status of Corporation and Corporate Information
Declaration of Related-Party Transactions at Final Costs
Declaration of Costs Incurred and Paid to Date
Affidavit – Final Costs
Declaration - Canadian Content
Filmography for Producer, Director or Screenwriter
Declaration Regarding Indigenous Projects
Business policies
Distribution Terms & Contracts Requirements
Budgets and Production Financing Requirements
CFFF Outside Readers Policy
Accounting and Reporting Requirements (2016)
Accounting and Reporting Requirements (2016) - Summary of Changes
Accounting and Reporting Requirements (2014)
Accounting and Reporting Requirements (2006)
Contact persons
Atlantic
Carmela Sciortino
Quebec
Carmela Sciortino
Ontario, Nunavut & West
Lead, Inclusion Initiatives and Content Analyst, English Market
Inclusion Initiatives Advisor and Content Analyst, French Market
If you are applying to the Indigenous stream for the first time, or have questions about the Indigenous jury process, please contact the Content Analyst and Indigenous Liaison below.
Lead, Indigenous Initiatives
ADAM GARNET JONES