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. 

Latest Press

The Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC Creators Applauds the Historic CRTC Decision Introducing Regulatory Support for Black and Racialized Creators

Toronto, Ontario, June 05, 2024 – The Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC Creators (CISF) welcomes the Canadian Radio-television Commission (CRTC) decision regarding contributions from online streaming services to the Canadian broadcasting system announced yesterday.

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. 

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.

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