Open for submissions from April 14 to 28, 2026
Information session: 3:00 p.m. ET | Register here
Telefilm Canada would like to inform industry members that the Talent to Watch Program will be open for submissions from April 14 to 28, 2026 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The guidelines, essential information guide, and other supporting documents for the 2026-2027 fiscal year can be found here.
The Talent to Watch Program supports emerging filmmakers looking to finance the production stage of their first feature film project(s).
The Talent to Watch Program has three streams:
- Industry Partner Stream: For projects that are recommended by a Designated Industry Partner.
- Festival Selection Stream: For emerging filmmakers who have directed a short film that was selected at a recognized film festival.
- Filmmaker Apply-Direct Stream: All Key Members of the Creative Team must be:
- Indigenous;
- Black;
- People of Colour;
- Women;
- Gender-diverse individuals;
- 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals;
- Persons with disabilities; and/or
- Members of an Official Language Minority Community
Who can apply
Applications may be submitted by companies or individuals who meet the eligibility criteria indicated in the Program guidelines.
Key members of the creative teams of all submitted projects must be emerging talent.
