Shaw Media and the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival have partnered to launch the Shaw Media Diverse Voices training program for emerging Canadian factual filmmakers.

The program will accept six to eight filmmakers from diverse backgrounds and will provide training in documentary and factual television production, including show running, financing, coproductions, proposal preparation and the production cycle.

The program will run during the 2015 edition of the Hot Docs festival, where participants will take part in a training module and seminar series, career management workshops and networking events.

Applications for the first year of the program will open on Dec. 19 and close on Jan. 26, 2015. Participants must be between the ages of 22 and 34 and be a member of an underrepresented group such as a visible minority, a person with a disability or a member of the aboriginal community.