The Canada Media Fund (CMF) is allocating just under $2.5 million across 17 organizations for projects that support creators from diverse communities through the first round of the Changing Narratives Fund.

The program, announced October 2024, is a $10-million, three-year initiative from the Canadian government with the CMF administering just under $4.5 million of the fund. A $1-million disbursement will be available in the 2025/26 fiscal year.

Eligible projects under the guidelines include those that build capacity or create professional development opportunities for audiovisual industry participants belonging to one or more diverse communities, those that are collaborative or support intersectional communities and/or those that support market access.

Receiving the largest allocation, based in Nunavut, is the Nunavut Independent Television Network with $275,000.

Seven of the selected organizations are based in Quebec and include Coalition M.É.D.I.A and Nikan Héritage, with both receiving $207,500; Média Sayaspora Media, with a commitment of $133,770; GAMERella with $120,000; and Makila, coopérative de solidarité, with an allocation of $74,451.

Rounding out the Quebec selections are Fondation PHI pour l’art contemporain and Exposures Montreal Trans Film Festival, respectively receiving $45,000 and $37,000.

Another four organizations are based in Ontario. They are the Reelworld Screen Institute and the Disability Screen Office, receiving $200,000; the Canadian Non-Theatrical Film and Video Corporation, with an allocation of $161,025; and Black Women Film with $125,000.

Three more organizations are headed out of B.C.: DigiBC, receiving $175,000; IM4 Lab Society, with a commitment of $150,000; and The Documentary Media Society with $25,000.

Two Alberta-based organizations were selected for funding as well. The Walkthrough Entertainment Society for the Interactive Arts in Alberta is receiving $200,000 in funds while Mosquers Film Festival Foundation is being allocated $125,000.

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