Are you an emerging Indigenous filmmaker looking to fund a current or upcoming project, gain additional training or further your career?

RBC has unveiled a new award aimed at supporting the career and talents of an emerging Indigenous filmmaker in Canada.

Through the RBC Emerging Indigenous Filmmaker Award, powered by the National Screen Institute, one recipient will be awarded $7,500 and two hours of mentorship and advice from acclaimed filmmaker and award advisor, Sonya Ballantyne.

Sonya is a Swampy Cree writer, director and sensitivity consultant based in Winnipeg. She is the founder and creative director of the film production company Code Breaker Films. Her work focuses on Indigenous women and girls in non-traditional film genres.

“Representation behind the camera is just as important to me as representation in front of the camera,” said Sonya. “I am very excited to take part in this process and look forward to working with the award recipient!”

This award is for a filmmaker who has an inspired vision for their project and / or career. Applicants must explain their career goals, what inspires them and how this financial support will help them as they launch their career, develop their project or build on their skills.

Applications are now open. Read more about how you can apply.

“At RBC, we are committed to supporting the voices and careers of Indigenous creators,” said Kim Ulmer, RBC Regional President, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut & Western Ontario. “Through this award, we hope to not only provide the recipient with financial support, but also the opportunity to build on their career as a filmmaker. We are thrilled to partner with the National Screen Institute as we share this award with Indigenous creators from across Canada.”

Applications are capped at a maximum of 75. An external industry selection committee will choose 25 applicants for a shortlist. A second selection committee made up of independent screen professionals and the award advisor will then select five candidates for an interview via phone or video call.

Once selected, the recipient will be announced and celebrated online through a series of activities which may include a podcast interview, spotlight article on nsi-canada.ca, paid social media posts and more.

Indigenous filmmakers in Canada aged 18 or over who self-identify as emerging are encouraged to apply. Application deadline is October 14 at 5 p.m. Central Time.

This award is funded by RBC Emerging Artists.