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Are you an emerging Indigenous filmmaker in Canada looking to:
The RBC Emerging Indigenous Filmmaker Award provides financial support to a filmmaker and their current or future project or career goals. One recipient will be awarded $10,000 and two hours of mentorship and advice from Sonya Ballantyne, the Indigenous award advisor.
The award 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.
Note: All dates are subject to change.
*Excluding Quebec
Propelled by a visionary network of donors, private and public organizations, board members and staff, the National Screen Institute supports creators from across Canada to tell unforgettable stories. Through industry informed training and mentoring in film, television and digital media, students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world. We are committed to training participants from a diverse community of voices including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres, those from regional and remote areas and various religious groups.
The $10,000 RBC Emerging Indigenous Filmmaker Award is designed to amplify Indigenous voices by supporting the career and talents of an emerging filmmaker in Canada who has a compelling vision for their project and / or career.
Please review the FAQ below. If you have any further questions about the award or need any support, please email info@nsi-canada.ca and we’ll be happy to help you.
This award is for an Indigenous storyteller who self identifies as an emerging filmmaker.
This award is for a storyteller who has an inspired vision for their project and / or their career.
As an applicant, you are encouraged to explain what makes you a unique and creative storyteller. What are your career dreams? What stories do you want to tell? How will $10,000 help you get started or continue your path?
While you are not required to have completed a film as a writer, director or producer to be eligible to apply for this award, you should have experience working in the film industry. This may include camera, sound, editing, production coordinator, locations, commercial work, etc. You should also have had some training / experience in the career area you are seeking to advance.
There are three options for providing your supporting statement: (1) text; (2) audio; (3) video. Text (written) statements should be 250 words; audio and video should be one to two minutes. Provide your written statement as a Microsoft Word document or PDF.
Chaired by National Screen Institute staff, an external selection committee will review all submissions. Up to 50 submissions will be accepted (first come, first served) from which the selection committee will select a shortlist of up to 12 applicants.
A second selection committee made up of two independent screen professionals and the award advisor will then select five candidates for an interview.
Award Advisor
Sonya Ballantyne is a Swampy Cree writer, filmmaker and self-confessed nerd from the Misipawistik Cree Nation.
Sonya’s work focuses on contemporary and futuristic portrayals of Indigenous women and girls. Her writing credits include CTV Comedy’s’ Acting Good, Sesame Street and The Walking Dead: LAST MILE. Her forthcoming feature documentary debut Death Tour was recently screened at Cannes Docs during the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
