Looking to dip its toes into the nonfiction pool, Saskatoon’s Angel Entertainment (Rabbit Fall, Stained) has launched a $25,000 documentary prize alongside the news it has completed its acquisition of Saskatchewan post house M.G. Media Group Inc.

Bringing the post house – now rebranded as Bamboo Shoots – under the Angel umbrella is part of the company’s focus on nonfiction, Angel partner Bob Crowe tells Playback Daily

“Over the years, we accumulated a host of great ideas for documentaries, series, one-offs, and reality, which we were basically shelving or passing on to friends who did that work,” says Crowe. “We saw this as an avenue to exploit those ideas.”

The company is looking to boost the profile of their new acquisition with a tantalizing treat: $5000 cash and a $20,000 facilities and services package under the Bamboo Shoots Documentary Prize, open to all Canadian filmmakers.

The prize will go to the best feature doc proposal in the field of social justice, international development, politics, or the environment.

Right now, the nonfiction market is a “strong, stable” one and Crowe and partner Wally Start feel they bring their own voice to the table, especially since many Bamboo Shoots staffers are in their 20s and 30s.

“We listen a lot to young people, since what we think is interesting doesn’t necessarily interest the 20-year-old crowd,” says Crowe. “We talk a lot to them about what they’re doing, where their interests are, and we look at what’s out there in the market. We’re hoping the young people in our new company will be bringing a lot of the younger perspective.”

Additionally, Bamboo Shoots, which has offices in Saskatoon and Regina, has arranged a first look deal with Toronto distributor Union Pictures for the doc prize winner. More information will be available on the Bamboo Shoots site on June 30.