Rising Voices Canada
Presented by Indeed
In partnership with Hillman Grad and TIFF
The Rising Voices Canada Mentorship Program is a career accelerator for emerging Canadian Black, Indigenous and Persons of Colour (BIPOC) filmmakers offering them tangible skills, resources and networks to build their careers in film.
“Indeed’s mission is to help people get jobs, and we work to remove as many barriers to employment as possible. We know that while talent is universal, opportunity is not, so we created the Rising Voices program three years ago. The program has already made a significant impact on the film industry in the United States. Still, we know there’s a tremendous need to break down barriers and create opportunities in Canada. We are thrilled to join forces with BIPOC TV & Film, Hillman Grad and TIFF to expand our commitment in Canada and help create a stronger, more equitable future of work through the launch of The Rising Voices Canada Mentorship Program.”
— LaFawn Davis, Senior Vice President of Environmental, Social & Governance at Indeed
Program
Highlights
Two-day launch in Toronto (January 2024).
One-on-one mentorship and development sessions with Hillman Grad.
Virtual networking and talks with directors, writers and producers, moderated by Hillman Grad
Monthly workshops hosted by BIPOC TV & Film to further enhance filmmakers’ skills and creative elements of their projects (scene study, table reads, etc.)
Final development and pitch training session
Invitation to attend the Rising Voices premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC in June, with the potential to pitch to industry professionals
Each filmmaker will receive an Industry Pass for TIFF 2024 and a 1-year TIFF membership
*Travel and accommodation support will be provided to all selected participants for in-person activities.
Eligibility
Criteria
Need to have a completed draft of an original narrative screenplay (feature-length)
Must have not made a narrative feature film*
Must not have already directed a Rising Voices film
Have at least one director, writer or producer credit on a completed short film or web series that has screened at a film festival or been broadcast on a digital platform
Must not yet have US representation (agent, manager)
Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
*Exceptions: Recipients of Telefilm’s Talent to Watch program or an equivalent micro-budget first feature film initiative
Questions? Contact us at risingvoices@bipoctvandfilm.com
Application Requirements
NOTE: We are no longer accepting applications.
Title, Genre, logline and synopsis of your screenplay
Completed draft of your feature screenplay.
Letter of intent (1 page maximum) or video to introduce yourself (3 minutes maximum) and share why you’d like to be selected for the Rising Voices Canada program.
Up-to-date CV/Resume
Signed submission release
RELATED PRESS
Indeed Joins Forces with BIPOC TV & Film, Hillman Grad and TIFF to Launch the Rising Voices Mentorship Program in Canada
September 11, 2023 | BIPOC TV & Film
The Rising Voices Canada program will not only give short-term guidance to up-and-coming BIPOC Canadian filmmakers, but it will also set them up for long-term success with the proper training and resources.
Rising Voices Canada: Talent is Universal. Opportunity is Not.
September 23, 2023 | Toronto Guardian
Indeed’s Breaking Down Barriers report has identified that 46% of BIPOC Canadians have expressed experiencing race related discrimination and 45% attribute this prejudice to their nationality or ethnicity. These findings have strengthened Indeed’s pursuit “to tell diversified stories, provide opportunities for marginalized talent and to create sustainable job opportunities for talented underrepresented creatives”.
