Cannes Indigenous Co-Production Forum – Call for Participants, May 18th, 2023

The Indigenous Screen Office is hosting an Indigenous co-production forum at the Festival de Cannes, May 16 to 27, 2023. Experienced producers may apply to participate in-person at the forum on May 18, 2023, an opportunity designed to connect and explore future possibilities for international co-productions. While the final details for this event are still being confirmed, ISO is seeking expressions of interest for participants.

The ISO will offer a $5,000.00 CAD stipend for up to 5 producers to be used towards travel and accommodation. A festival pass will be provided in addition. Selected participants will be responsible for making their own travel and accommodation arrangements.

Participants will be responsible for additional expenses exceeding the above-mentioned stipend, as well as managing their own schedules and arranging meetings outside of the Co-Production Forum programming.

Experienced producers are invited to submit their CV, current slate of projects, including links to previous works with credit information, and statement of interest outlining the value that attending Festival de Cannes would bring to their career.

Producers must have at least two short film producer credits and/or one feature film producer credit. Producers must have minimum 51% ownership of a registered company in Canada

Priority will be given to candidates who can demonstrate they are ready for co-production opportunities.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • First Nations, Inuit or Métis person* residing in Canada for a minimum of eight months over the last one-year period;
  • Valid passport and the ability to travel internationally;
  • Established as a producer: at least two short film producer credits, AND/OR one feature film producer credit. ;
  • Can demonstrate that they are ready for co-production opportunities;
  • Indigenous-owned production companies may apply (51% Indigenous owned);

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Expression of interest (max. 1 page) including the following information:

  • Bio and CV;
  • Complete incorporation documents, if applying as an Indigenous-owned production company (required only for new applicants to ISO);
  • Description of how the opportunity will strengthen your business and why you are interested in participating;
  • Links to previous works with credit information.

SELECTION PROCESS

The ISO will conduct an internal assessment and selection process of the submitted applications.

The selection process will focus on:

  • Experience level of the applicant;
  • Track record and understanding of international market and export opportunities;
  • Demonstrated readiness for international co-production opportunities;
  • Overall demonstration of need.

The application form can be found here. The deadline to apply is March 15th, 2023.

Please reach out to funding@iso-bea.ca if you have any questions.

About Indigenous Screen Office
The Indigenous Screen Office is an independent national advocacy and funding organization serving First Nations, Inuit and Métis creators of screen content in Canada. The ISO’s mandate is to foster and support narrative sovereignty and cultural revitalization by increasing Indigenous storytelling on screens and promoting Indigenous values and participation across the sector.

Strategic Initiatives are programs undertaken with key industry partners. Through these targeted initiatives we have been able to assist storytellers gain access to professional and career development opportunities that will support a robust Indigenous screen sector.

*Please note, for purposes of ISO funding, Indigenous in the context of First Peoples in Canada includes:

  • First Nations: are status and non-status individuals who are citizens, recognized members or direct blood relatives of a self-governing band, a reserve-based community, or a larger tribal group.
  • Inuit: are recognized as the First Peoples of the arctic regions of Canada including Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, and parts of the Northwest Territories, whose relatives are also in Greenland and Alaska.
  • Métis: are culturally distinct from First Nations and Inuit and have a direct line of Métis ancestry to a known Métis settlement, community, or family group.