Development program — Black and People of Colour stream

Developing a feature film often requires early capital to refine a script, attach key creative talent, and prepare a project for the next stage of financing. For Canadian filmmakers from Black and People of Colour communities, Telefilm Canada offers targeted support through the Development Program — Black and People of Colour stream. Backed by the Government of Canada, this national initiative helps experienced producers and production companies move promising feature film projects forward during the development phase.

This stream provides a repayable advance, generally in the range of up to $40,000, to cover a portion of eligible development costs. It is designed for businesses operating in the arts and culture sector that already have some professional track record in feature filmmaking and are ready to build on prior success. Funding can support activities such as script development, research, and other preparatory work that strengthens a project’s creative and market readiness. As part of Telefilm’s broader mandate, the program reflects a commitment to amplifying diverse voices and supporting Canadian stories from development through to audience reach.

Because the funding is repayable and tied to professional experience, this opportunity is best suited to established film businesses planning their next feature. Reviewing the full program details can help determine whether your project and company are well positioned to apply.