As it opens the call for applications to its Aboriginal Documentary training course today, The National Screen Institute announced it has expanded the program to applicants across Canada.

The Aboriginal Documentary training course, which launched in 2012, provides up to four Aboriginal director-producer teams with training and mentorship, including up to $16,000 in cash towards production of a short documentary. Previously, the course was open to Manitoba filmmakers.

The NSI also announced on Friday that RBC’s Emerging Artist Project has been added as a new program partner, contributing $50,000 to the training course.

Completed short docs from the program air nationally on APTN and can be streamed through the channel’s website.

Training begins with a two-week boot camp in Winnipeg in January. Participating teams also attend the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival as part of the program.

NSI’s Ursula Lawson and Elise Swerhone are co-managers of the program, which has a deadline of Nov. 4. More information can be found online.