TVOntario and the NFB have joined forces to relaunch the Calling Card Program, offering twin prizes of $45,000 to documentary filmmakers.

Originally known as the Al Waxman Calling Card Program, the relaunch sees the NFB step in for the Ontario Media Development Corporation. The new collaboration between the board and TVO is expanding the program to include new media, in addition to the original television category.

‘The introduction of a new media component this year furthers the NFB’s commitment to digital storytelling,’ said the NFB’s Silva Basmajian in a release. ‘Supporting emerging talent and creators from the digital community is a perfect fit with the Calling Card Program.’

The program is calling for submissions of character-driven docs that focus on social, cultural and political issues. The winning online doc will play at nfb.ca and tvo.org, while the top TV submission will premiere on the Ontario educaster’s series The View From Here.

Both winning teams will receive $45,000 and mentorship towards the further development of the projects. Submissions are due Aug 31. See www.nfb.ca for details.