Creative BC has launched a new program through its multi-year $1 million fund with the Rogers Group of Funds to invest $200,000 into development projects by B.C.-based Indigenous filmmakers.

The Rogers Indigenous Film Fund (RIFF) Program provides up to $20,000 in development support to emerging, early, and mid-career Indigenous filmmakers, writers and producers, as well as Indigenous-owned production companies. The amount covers research, development, community engagement and scriptwriting.

The program is the first of three to be established through the multi-year fund, which was first announced last year. They are expected to be delivered by Creative BC through to 2024. The fund has already provided over $200,00 in top-up funding to B.C. recipients of the Indigenous Screen Office’s (ISO) Development Fund.

Applicants and recipients to the RIFF Program will have access to online professional development workshops, presentations, and seminars, while funding recipients will also receive coaching and mentorship support through the duration of their projects.

The program is meant to “help facilitate the growth of Indigenous creators’ careers by providing new access to funding and resources,” said Creative BC CEO Prem Gill in a statement. “Audiences have a lot to learn from our Indigenous storytellers, and we look forward to seeing these stories come to life on screen.”

“Indigenous storytellers from B.C. are the highest represented by province in ISO’s last two years of creation and production funding and we welcome the additional support to this strong and growing sector,” said ISO co-executive director Kerry Swanson.

Rogers Group of Funds director Robin Mirsky added: “Rogers is committed to making a meaningful impact in partnership with Indigenous communities on the collective journey towards reconciliation, including championing Indigenous voices and stories through this new program.”

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