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Telefilm Canada funds five Indigenous projects for a total of $2.68 million

31 July 2025

Telefilm Canada is announcing its investment of $2.68 million in five 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.

Ancestral Beasts (horror)
Director and Screenwriter: Tim Riedel
Production: 16198872 Canada Inc
Province: Ontario
Language: English 

Instant Indian – The Hijacking of a Nation (documentary)
Director and screenwriter: Jules Koostachin 
Production: Xa7tus Productions Inc.
Distribution: IndieCan Entertainment
Province: British Columbia
Language: English

Little People (drama)
Directors: Sarah Houle and Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi
Screenwriters: Shane Ghostkeeper and Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi  
Production: Muskego Inc.
Province: Alberta
Language: English and Cree – nehiyawak 

The Skins Game (drama)
Director: Jon Elliott
Screenwriter: Justin Neal 
Production: Holy Crow Productions 
Province: British Columbia 
Language: English 

Une tragédie inuite: La police au Nunavik (documentary)
Directors: Kim O’Bomsawin and Olivia Ikey 
Screenwriters: Kim O’Bomsawin and Chaz Beaudette 
Production: Nikan Productions (VI) Inc. 
Province: Quebec 
Language: French

Telefilm received and assessed 22 projects representing more than $16 million in funding requests. Project submissions were considered by an Advisory Committee, and Telefilm met with all shortlisted teams.

More funding decisions, including projects from the Theatrical Documentary Program for both English and French markets, will be announced in the coming weeks. Statistics on all films funded in the year will be published in the 2025–26 Annual Report.

An advisory committee composed of external and internal Indigenous representatives evaluated the projects and made its recommendations. The decision-making process is designed to ensure that Telefilm funds a balanced production portfolio reflecting a variety of genres, budgets, company sizes, regions of the country, and perspectives. A list of the selection committee members will be posted on Telefilm’s Project Financing Advisory Committees page once all funding decisions have been made.

About Telefilm Canada      

As a Partner of Choice, Telefilm Canada is a Crown corporation dedicated to the success of Canada’s audiovisual industry, fostering access and excellence by delivering programs that support cultural resonance and audience engagement. With a lens of equity, inclusivity and sustainability, Telefilm bolsters dynamic companies and a range of 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 raises private donations which principally support emerging talent.   
Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on LinkedIn,  X, Facebook,  Instagram and Letterboxd.

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For media-related inquiries: 

Joyce Richards   
Advisor, Strategic Communications
Joyce.Richards@telefilm.ca