Development program — Indigenous stream

📋 Eligible Entities - Indigenous-led production companies - Indigenous filmmakers and producers - Production entities with Indigenous ownership or creative control - Must have at least 1 feature film project previously funded by Telefilm Canada - Applicants must meet Telefilm's Indigenous stream criteria and definitions ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum Advance: $25,000 per project - Repayability: Repayable advance (not a grant) - Repayment Structure: Advances are recouped from distribution revenues or box office returns - Matching Requirements: Varies by project; applicants should confirm co-financing obligations with Telefilm - Currency: Canadian dollars ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Development stage costs including: - Script development and writing - Story research and rights acquisition - Producer fees during development - Creative consultant fees - Budget and schedule preparation - Market analysis and feasibility studies - Pre-production planning and design work ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Eligibility Requirement: Applicant must have received at least 1 prior Telefilm funding for a feature film project - Project Stage: Funds apply only to the development phase (pre-production stage) - Repayment Trigger: Advance becomes due upon project's theatrical release or distribution deal - Reporting: Standard Telefilm reporting and compliance requirements apply - Timeframe: Development phase timeline must be clearly defined in application - Indigenous Criteria: Must satisfy Telefilm's Indigenous stream definitions regarding ownership, creative control, or storytelling focus