FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Learn Filmmaking and Tell a Climate Story

Almmuhuvvon: 21.03.2025

JOIN THE TRAINING PROGRAM:

The Witness Short Film Series
– Third Edition

Call for Proposals: The Arctic Indigenous Film Fund (AIFF), Telefilm Canada, and the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) invite early career Arctic Indigenous filmmakers to apply for the third edition of The Witness Short Film Series, a training program designed to support Arctic Indigenous storytellers through hands-on workshops, mentorships, and production. Selected filmmakers will be awarded a training grant to produce a 3–5 minute short film exploring climate change from an Indigenous perspective.

This training initiative is open to Indigenous people only from the global Circumpolar Arctic. Eligible applicants may either live in the Arctic or be from a community/nation based in the Circumpolar Arctic.

Why apply?

Participate in workshops covering:

Documentary Storytelling – Crafting compelling narratives and developing an authentic point of view.
Filmmaking – Hands-on training in cinematography, lighting, sound, and smartphone filmmaking techniques.
Producing & Production Management – Budgeting, scheduling, contracting, and managing a documentary project.
Impact Producing & Audience Engagement – Strategies for maximizing the reach and influence of your film.
International Co-Productions in Indigenous Contexts – Exploring global collaboration opportunities for Indigenous filmmakers.
Pathways & Protocols for Filmmaking in Indigenous Communities – Ethical storytelling and respectful collaboration with Indigenous communities.
Climate Change Witnessing from an Indigenous Perspective – Exploring environmental storytelling through a regional and cultural lens

2. Receive mentorship from experienced Canadian Indigenous filmmakers.

3. Collaborate with a returning Witness participant who will serve as your producer.

4. Secure a training grant to produce a 3-5 minute short film.

Application deadline: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

WHAT IS THE WITNESS SHORT FILM SERIES

The short films that make up the Witness series are produced by Indigenous filmmakers in their own home communities. They focus on climate change and how it is affecting their everyday lives and traditional livelihoods in the Arctic. The Arctic Indigenous Film Fund is the projects manager.

This professional training and mentorship program is designed to support early career Arctic Indigenous filmmakers from across the Circumpolar North, including Canada, Sápmi, Russia, Alaska, and Greenland.

The program offers a unique opportunity to develop skills in documentary storytelling, cinematography, production management, and impact producing. Participants will receive hands-on training and mentorship from experienced Indigenous filmmakers, explore ethical filmmaking practices, and gain insights into international co-productions. Selected filmmakers will be awarded a training grant to produce a 3–5 minute short film exploring climate change from an Indigenous perspective.

The Witness Series second edition had its premiere at Skábmagovat Indigenous Film Festival 2025. See more here.

WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND AIFF

Over 40 ethnic groups live in the circumpolar north. Despite national borders and some differences in our cultures, we consider ourselves all to belong to the same community. If anything, we are united by our stories. The increased interest in the Arctic also means a growing interest in Indigenous peoples and their stories – even by the biggest film companies. We think our Indigenous filmmakers should have a chance to share the stories of their own communities and get their voices heard.

That’s why, in 2018, we gathered Indigenous film professionals from all over the world to discuss how to raise funding, increase work, and secure the future for our filmmakers. There, at the 2nd International Indigenous Film Conference, Arctic Indigenous Film Fund (AIFF) was launched by Sundance Institute, Canada Media Fund, International Sami Film Institute, Nunavut Film Corporation, Film Greenland and Sakha Film.