CFAs: Film and Video Individual Project Funding (Canada)

Deadline: 01-Mar-2027

The Film and Video Individual Project Funding program is inviting Alberta-based artists, arts administrators, and ensembles to apply for support for independent film and video arts projects. The programme supports the development of Alberta’s independent film and video arts sector by funding creative projects undertaken by individual artists, arts administrators, and ensembles.

About the Film and Video Individual Project Funding

The programme is designed to support the creative development and production of independent film and video works in Alberta. It recognizes contributions from artists with diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, people with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Funding can support the creation, production, dissemination, research, marketing, and training activities directly related to film and video arts. How Much Funding Is Available? Applicants can request up to $18,000 for an eligible film or video arts project. The grant can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs.

Eligible expenses may include:

- Contracted artist fees. - Technician fees. - Production costs. - Promotion costs. - Transportation. - Accommodation. - Tuition or training fees. - Royalties. - Administration costs. - Basic living expenses of up to $3,000 per month. Applicants should ensure that requested expenses are directly related to the eligible project activities. What Projects Are Eligible? The programme supports independent film and video arts projects across a range of genres and activities.

Eligible projects may include:

- Creation of independent film and video works. - Production of film and video works. - Dissemination of independent works. - Research related to film and video arts. - Marketing activities related to film and video arts. - Training and professional development directly related to film and video arts. Supported genres include narrative shorts and features, experimental shorts, documentaries, and animation. Copyright and Creative Control Requirements To qualify, the applicant must retain at least 75% of the copyright in the project. The applicant must also maintain full editorial and creative control over the work. These requirements help ensure that funded projects remain independently controlled by the artists or eligible project owners. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to eligible Alberta-based individual artists, arts administrators, and ensembles.

Applicants must:

- Be residents of Alberta. - Be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons. - Have lived in Alberta for at least one year before applying. - Be unincorporated. - Be in good standing with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Ensembles and collectives may also apply if all project co-owners meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility for Ensembles and Collectives

Ensembles or collectives can apply for funding for eligible film and video projects. However, all project co-owners must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements. This includes the requirements relating to Alberta residency, immigration or citizenship status, the one-year Alberta residency period, and other programme conditions. Who Is Encouraged to Apply? The programme recognizes the diverse backgrounds and experiences of Alberta’s independent film and video arts community.

Applications are encouraged from:

- Indigenous peoples. - Racialized communities. - Women. - People with disabilities. - Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The programme aims to support a diverse range of creative voices within Alberta’s independent film and video sector. What Expenses Can the Grant Cover? The funding can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs.

Eligible expenses include:

- Artist and technician fees. - Film and video production costs. - Promotion and marketing expenses. - Transportation and accommodation. - Tuition and training fees. - Royalties. - Administration. - Basic living expenses up to $3,000 per month. Expenses should be directly connected to the eligible project. Who Is Not Eligible? Applicants must meet all programme eligibility conditions. In particular, applicants who are incorporated are not eligible under the stated requirements. Ensembles and collectives must also ensure that every project co-owner meets the required eligibility criteria. What Projects Are Not Eligible? Certain activities and expenses are excluded from funding.

Ineligible projects and costs include:

- Projects already funded by the Alberta Media Fund. - Capital purchases. - Capital development. - Recreational training. - Activities undertaken for academic credit. - Projects that are primarily commercial. - Expenses incurred before the application is submitted. Applicants should ensure that their proposed project and budget do not include these excluded activities or costs. Commercial Projects The programme is intended to support independent film and video arts rather than projects that are primarily commercial in nature. Projects that are primarily commercial are therefore not eligible for funding. Academic and Recreational Training Training may be eligible when it is directly related to film and video arts. However, recreational training and activities undertaken for academic credit are excluded from funding. Applicants should clearly demonstrate how any proposed training contributes directly to their film and video arts project. Capital Costs and Previous Expenses Capital purchases and capital development are not eligible for funding. The programme also does not cover expenses incurred before the application is submitted. Applicants should therefore plan their project budgets carefully and avoid committing eligible project expenses before submitting their application. Why This Funding Matters for Alberta’s Film and Video Artists Independent artists often require financial support to develop, produce, promote, and disseminate creative works. T