Program Overview

Cinema Ascent is a 12-month mentorship and export preparedness-based professional development program designed to empower mid-career First Nations, Inuit, and Métis filmmakers from Canada, with a focus on Producers, Directors, and Writers from Northern Ontario.

Supported by the Canada Media Fund (CMF), this national pilot program will provide above-the-line and export-readiness training for up to eight (8) participants who are in the process of developing an upcoming feature-length or television project.

Participants will include:

  • Five (5) mid-career First Nations, Inuit, and Métis filmmakers from or based in Northern Ontario

  • Three (3) mid-career First Nations, Inuit, and Métis filmmakers from across Canada

Cinema Ascent presents a unique opportunity to connect with leading industry experts during group mentorship sessions and join two (2) export missions in Ontario that will increase professional connections, promote knowledge-sharing, and advance the development Indigenous-led film or television projects in Northern Ontario.

Application Details

Eligible applicants are those who, at the time of application:

  • Are aged 18 and over
  • Are a First Nations, Inuit, or Métis person residing in Canada
  • Are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
  • Have at least 1-3 years' experience as a Writer, Director, or Producer
  • Have worked as a credited Writer, Director, or Producer on at least two (2) short films and/or one (1) feature-length film or television series
  • Have an original feature-length film or television series in early stages of development
  • Are comfortable communicating in spoken and written English
For questions on CINEMA ASCENT's eligibility criteria, please email CION at info@cionorth.ca.

The application process asks potential candidates to provide supporting documents that could strengthen their submission, including:

  • CV with detailed work, training experience, and filmography
  • Letter of Recommendation by a professional from the film and television industry
  • Letter of Support or nomination from an Indigenous community, organization, or group

Potential candidates can submit an application for Cinema Ascent by clicking the link below. Applications will be open for a minimum of one (1) month and may be extended, pending application volume. Successful applicants will be contacted by CION, starting in December of 2024.

APPLY FOR CINEMA ASCENT

Please contact us at info@cionorth.ca or (705) 885-9889  if you have any barriers to access including but not limited to:
  • disability needs
  • language or translation needs
  • limited internet access

Program Details: Phase One

Mentorship Sessions

In total, seven (7) group mentorship sessions will occur between Winter 2024 - Winter 2025. Meetings will be hosted virtually and scheduled based on the availability of successful applicants (Mentees) and Mentors.

Mentorship topics will be informed by the experiences and expertise of select Mentors, but may include: 

  • Marketplace Attendance and Project Marketing
  • Influencing Decision Makers in the Canadian Industry
  • Producing and Filming in Indigenous Communities
  • Cultural Representation and Authenticity
  • Building and Leveraging Professional Networks
  • Navigating Project Financing and Funding Options
  • Long-Term Career Development Strategies

Mentorship sessions will occur on a monthly and/or bi-monthly basis, with the first session tentatively scheduled for December of 2024/January 2025.

Virtual Conference Call

 

Program Details: Phase Two

Export Missions

As part of this program, successful applicants will be invited to join CION and its partners during networking and professional development events at CMPA Prime Time (January 29-31, 2025) and the Toronto International Film Festival (September 2025) with the following costs covered by CION:

  • Industry Accreditation (conference passes)
  • Travel Support (flights, mileage)
  • Accommodations Support (hotel rooms, meal expenses)

Mentees will apply the knowledge and networking skills gained from mentorship sessions in engaging potential business partners, funders, and creative supporters at two of Canada's most delegate-heavy film and television industry marketplaces, while gaining access to sector-defining panel discussions, professional development sessions, and more.

Mentees and Mentors may also have the opportunity to formally meet - or reconnect - in-person at CMPA Prime Time and TIFF 2025, during CION-hosted networking and business development events.

Networking Event at TIFF

 

Applications will be open for a minimum of one (1) month as of November 6, 2024, and may be extended pending application volume. Successful applicants will be contacted by CION, starting in December of 2024.