Telefilm Canada funds five Indigenous projects for a total of $2.68 million
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.
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For media-related inquiries:
Joyce Richards
Advisor, Strategic Communications
Joyce.Richards@telefilm.ca