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Canadian Independent Screen Fund for Creators

CISF partners with Hot Docs to Award $10,000 for Audience Engagement

The Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC Creators (CISF) is deepening its commitment to amplifying diverse voices in Canadian media with a new grant opportunity in partnership with Hot Docs. The $10,000 Hot Docs CISF Connect Award will be presented to a Canadian documentary by a Black or racialized creator that screened at the Hot Docs 2026 festival.

Since its inception in 2020, CISF has provided essential support to Black and racialized creators across Canada. This latest initiative is part of CISF CONNECT, a new marketing and audience development program created in response to the ongoing challenges BPOC creators face in getting their work seen. The program empowers filmmakers to take a more active role in promoting their stories and expanding their reach—both in Canada and internationally.

Applications will open on May 4th with a deadline of May 31, 2026 at 11:59pm ET.

The Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC Creators (CISF) is a national funding initiative dedicated to supporting small, medium, and large Canadian-owned BPOC (Black and People of Color) production companies. CISF helps foster the development and production of screen-based projects by empowering 100% Canadian small businesses and content creators within BPOC communities.

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 Canadian- owned BPOC production 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.

Canadian Independent Screen Fund
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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.

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.”