Telefilm Canada is renewing its Micro-budget Production Program for a second year, and is expanding the program by adding a component for Aboriginal projects.

Launched last June, the $1 million program is aimed at supporting new filmmakers and stimulating the use of innovative production techniques and digital distribution platforms. Through its new Aboriginal component, the program will also work to boost visibility for Aboriginal creators.

Through the program, Telefilm provides funding to low-budget projects in the form of a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $120,000. The Micro-budget Production Program supports eight to 10 projects through the its main component, and now will support up to three projects in the Aboriginal component. All eligible projects have total budgets equal to or less than $250,000.

“Emerging creative talents deserve to be supported, and our Micro-budget Production Program allows them to build their experience. This fiscal, TFC supported two research studies that focused on Aboriginal creators in the audio-visual industry, the new Aboriginal component of the program is a testimony that we are committed to apply what we have learned and generate ideas to better support Aboriginal creators,” ” said Carolle Brabant, executive director at Telefilm Canada, in a statement.

Also new for this year, Telefilm has grown the number of partners, which now total 28 industry organizations, backing its main component. The aboriginal component is supported by six new designated industry partners: Adam Beach Film Institute, Bosa Centre for Film & Animation Capilano University, National Screen Institute, Nunavut Film Development Corp, OCAD University and Wapikoni Mobile.

The Micro-budget Program in its first year received 24 applications, out of which eight finalists were selected for financial backing. Two of those projects began production this year are Maxime Desmons’ What We Have and Matt Sadowski’s Pretend We’re Kissing.