New Screen Fund for BPOC Creators.

The Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC Creators (“CISF”) is a new national funding program dedicated to supporting  emerging, mid-level and established content creators from BPOC (Black and People of Color) communities, for the development and production of their screen-based projects.

Formally known as the Canadian Independent Screen Fund, a registered charity established in 1981 (274666-2 Canada Inc.), the CISF was relaunched in 2020 to create more equity within the screen-based industry.

The Indigenous Screen Office participated in the consultation process for this proposed initiative and is in full solidarity with the intent and direction of this fund.

The CISF will administer a number of funds with specific deadlines. Funding guidelines will be posted on our website and applications will be processed through this website.

  • BPOC Owned & Controlled

    Supports projects submitted by BPOC owned companies or productions.

  • All Professional Levels

    Three tiers for evaluation: emerging, intermediate and experienced.

  • Development & Production

    Provides support for the development and production of Scripted and Non-Scripted projects, as well last-in top-up interactive digital media content.

  • BPOC Owned & Controlled

    Supports projects submitted by BPOC owned companies or productions.

  • All Professional Levels

    Three tiers for evaluation: emerging, intermediate and experienced.

  • Development & Production

    Provides support for the development and production of Scripted and Non-Scripted projects, as well last-in top-up interactive digital media content.

Business Skills Series

The Canadian Independent Screen Fund, in partnership with BIPOC TV & Film, Creatives Empowered, Vancouver International Asian Film Festival, and The Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative  present the Business Skills Series, a series of professional development programs and clinics to build capacity among BIPOC producer to manage their own budgets, finances and paperwork in order to retain control of their IP. 

LEARN MORE

Latest Press

Report tracks Asian representation
across Canada’s major broadcasters

With the imminent influx of new funds to our sector from Bill C-11, the time is now for public support of a fund like CISF, which represents a milestone in decades-long and ongoing multi-generational efforts for racial justice in our sector. The report is spot on in connecting the fact that who is on screen not only reflects who is behind the camera, but is also an extension of our funding structures,” said Sally Lee, executive director of CISF, in a statement to Playback Daily.
Read More

Sixteen projects led by BPOC creators have been selected for funding in the first-round of the Rogers-BSO $750,000 Script Development Fund, administered by the Canadian Independent Screen Fund (CISF) for BPOC creators.

The Rogers-BSO Script development fund, the first of its kind in Canada  provides script development funding to help to build more equitable access to creators from diverse communities.
 
The next round of the fund will be announced here in May 2022. 
Read Press Release

Funding Database

We offer a comprehensive guide to funding programs across Canada: this database lists eligibility criteria and is searchable by date, region or genre.

Funds

Latest Press

Previous
Next

Testimonials

“I adored the mentorship component! Working with [my mentor] was a lovely experience that really helped to strengthen my project and take it from a pitch to a completed and strong script. “
“Thank you. It was a career changing opportunity for me.”
"It means everything to be working within a program specifically designed for BPOC creators where the integrity and authenticity of our voices were the priority. And to be paid at an industry level. Thanks again.”
“Communication was timely and responsive, and especially appreciated the extensions given-- the flexibility was key in promoting success, I felt that the program was working *with* me.”
“The pitch coaching was invaluable and felt very organic to the funding program. It's an essential element of the program to prepare our projects for the marketplace.”

Our Key Partners

Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour in TV and Film
Black Screen Office
Black Women Film! Canada
Creatives Empowered
Coalition M.É.DI.A.
National Screen Institute
Racial Equity Media Collective
Vancouver Asian Film Festival
Logo for Black on Black films

AND INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS FROM ACROSS CANADA.

Susbcribe to our Newsletter

SUPPORT CANADIAN BPOC CREATORS

Learn more on how to support us below.

BECOME A DONOR

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Get in touch with us today!

CONTACT US
Facebook Twitter Instagram

Copyright © 2023 Canadian Independent Screen Fund.
All Rights reserved.