Eleven Indigenous Film Projects Receive Development Funding from Telefilm Canada
Selections represent Indigenous Stream’s inaugural Development funding decisions
Montréal/Toronto – The inaugural round of projects set to receive Development funding from Telefilm Canada’s Indigenous Stream have been selected. The lineup represents an array of established and emerging voices from Indigenous talent across six provinces. Films selected include both English and French-language projects, as well as several works from Talent to Watch alumni.
“The projects selected for the inaugural round of Development funding in the Indigenous stream demonstrates the breadth of Indigenous talent that can be found throughout the country,” said Christa Dickenson, Executive Director, Telefilm Canada. “We’re pleased to be supporting these creators as they take the next steps in bringing their stories to the screen and continue Telefilm’s commitment in supporting Indigenous filmmakers.”
As part of its 2020 objective, Telefilm Canada earmarks $4 million a year, across all its programs, to fund projects by filmmakers from Indigenous communities nationwide. The projects are assessed by an external all-Indigenous jury.
“The jury is proud to recommend these development projects, which come from Indigenous creators at all career levels, from across the country. Just in time for spring, when our minds turn toward new beginnings, this collection of stories brings with it an abundance of bold ideas and dynamic voices,” the jury remarked. “We were inspired by the way these writers use humour, drama, and intelligence to wrestle with our collective past, present, and future.”
Selected Projects:
Disappearing Moon
Writer: Michael Auger
Producer: Petie Chalifoux
Language: English
Province: British Columbia
Dumbbell
Writer/producer: Shane Belcourt
Producer: Michelle St. John
Language: English
Province: Ontario
Elvis of the North
Writer/producer: Kelton Stepanowich
Language: English
Province: Alberta
Evil Fire
Writer: Thirza Cuthand
Producer: Sera-Lys McArthur
Language: English
Province: Ontario
Highway 45
Writer/producer: Ervin Chartrand
Language: English
Province: Manitoba
Noopiming
Writer/producer: Amanda Strong
Language: English
Province: British Columbia
The Savage
Writer/producer: Darlene Naponse
Language: English
Province: Ontario
Skite’kmujua’kik
Writer/producer: Bretten Hannam
Language: English
Province: Nova Scotia
Sparrow/Nel Dzay Ya
Writer/Producer: Marie Clements
Language: English
Province: British Columbia
Sur les traces
Writer: Brad Gros Louis
Producer: Elisapie Isaac
Language: French
Province: Quebec
WWShe
Writer: Sonya Ballantyne
Producer: Sage Daniels
Language: English
Province: Manitoba
About Telefilm Canada
Telefilm is dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry. Through funding and promotion programs, Telefilm supports dynamic companies and creative talent at home and around the world. Telefilm also makes recommendations regarding the certification of audiovisual coproduction treaties to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2012, the Talent Fund accepts private donations which principally support emerging talent. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/telefilm_canada and on Facebook at facebook.com/telefilmcanada.
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Media enquiries:
Brian Mullen
Advisor, Public Relations – English Market
Telefilm Canada
647-475-4910
brian.mullen@telefilm.ca