APTN has teamed with Telefilm Canada on a seven-digit funding effort to boost feature filmmaking among Aboriginals. The cable channel says it will put $250,000 each year over the next three years into a new development/mentorship program, with Telefilm putting in another $1.2 million.

The program is intended to support mid-level filmmakers and companies by forging relationships within the industry and, in the long term, open doors to other Telefilm cash.

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network ‘will now play a significant role in the advancement of Aboriginal producers looking to break into the realm of feature films,’ said CEO Jean LaRose in a statement.