Alambic 3rd Edition: Call for Projects

Table of Contents

Reality, Distilled

French-speaking filmmakers from across Canada are invited to submit a proposal for an animated documentary addressing current social issues. Preference will be given to bold, innovative approaches that push the boundaries of animation and documentary storytelling.

All animation techniques are welcome, including combinations of live action and animation, as well as mixed techniques. Particular attention will be paid to the connection between the concept and the chosen animation technique. Prior experience in animation is essential.

The program offers a nine-month paid residency ($45,000 to $50,000). Final amounts will be calculated based on each project’s financial needs and the collective agreements of the Association des réalisateurs et réalisatrices du Québec (ARRQ) and the Société des auteurs et autrices de radio, télévision et cinéma (SARTEC). Successful candidates will be supported by the NFB’s French Animation Unit, along with a dedicated Alambic team comprising an associate producer, a mentor, an editor, a sound designer and a composer.

Only applicants who are available full-time will be considered for the program. Work can be done remotely, and the NFB will provide the necessary equipment whenever possible. However, creators based in the Montreal area are strongly encouraged to use the NFB’s creative spaces at Îlot Balmoral, located in the Quartier des Spectacles.

Successful candidates will be required to attend an orientation week in person in Montreal from February 1 to 5, 2027, as well as a post-production week, again in Montreal, between October 18 and 29, 2027 (exact dates for each film TBC). Any travel arrangements for those living outside the Greater Montreal area will be covered by the NFB.

Team

• Associate producer: Raquel Sancinetti
• Producer: Jelena Popović
• NFB French Animation Unit
• Production support in close collaboration with professional editors, sound designers and composer

Timeline

Application deadline: Sunday, November 29, 2026, 5:00 p.m. EST

Program dates: February 1 to October 29, 2027

Orientation and pre-production: February 1 to 5, 2027 (in Montreal)

Production: February 8 to October 15, 2027

Post-production and wrap: October 18 to 29, 2027 (in Montreal)

How to Apply?

Candidates must use this form to apply. Applications must include:

• Personal information;
• The project title
• The animation technique(s) used;
• Viewing links (maximum of 2) or excerpts (maximum duration: 3 min.) from previous films. Candidates who have not completed a film may showcase their skills by providing an animation test demonstrating their expertise. Demonstrating your animation skills is essential;
• A documentary audio excerpt (maximum duration: 1 min.), if applicable;
• A short biography;
• A detailed document (PDF, single file only), named according to the convention “PRÉNOM_NOM_Alambic3” and containing the following:
  • One page of text (or a three-minute video) providing concrete and concise answers to the following three questions:
    • WHAT? ‒ Project synopsis or description;
    • WHY? ‒ Your intentions and what motivates you to tell this story;
    • HOW? ‒ Your artistic approach and the connection between your concept and the animation technique used.
  • Samples of the visual concept;
  • A one-page résumé;
  • For candidates who live outside the Montreal area:
    • A brief description of your work environment (home studio, film cooperative, community centre, private or shared space, etc.);
    • A list of the equipment and software you already have;
    • A list of the equipment you will need.

The NFB is committed to promoting inclusion and greater diversity within the Canadian film and new media industry. In alignment with our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan, we invite you to indicate whether you identify as Indigenous, Black, a racialized person, or a member of an underrepresented group.

Applications must be submitted using the online form and received no later than 5 p.m. EST on Sunday, November 29, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a qualifying interview on December 14, 2026.

The three final candidates will be informed on December 18, 2026. If you have any questions, please email the team at alambic@onf.ca.

Eligibility Criteria

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident (no exceptions);
• Emerging animation filmmaker (director of up to three professionally produced films);
• Available full-time from February 1 to October 29, 2027. Applications from students or those with part-time employment will not be considered;
• Experience in the proposed animation technique. You will be the project’s sole animator;
• Proficiency in spoken and written French, since you will be working in a French-speaking environment.

Selection Criteria

• Originality of the proposal and artistic vision;
• Clarity of the proposal. We need to fully understand what you want to achieve and how you intend to do it;
• Feasibility. The film must be completed within nine months, including pre- and post-production;
• Collaborative spirit; willingness to work as part of a team;
• Ability to follow a production schedule and meet deadlines.

Notes

• You will work in collaboration with the NFB’s French Animation Unit and the Alambic 3rd Edition team. Meetings, follow-up meetings, and discussions with production and mentoring staff and other team members are mandatory;
• You will work according to a specific delivery schedule for each stage;
• Images and videos of you and your work may be included in promotional materials shared on the NFB’s social media channels;
• The films created as part of Alambic 3rd Edition will be owned and distributed by the NFB;
• The films created as part of Alambic 3rd Edition will be released on the NFB’s digital platforms and shared across social media. They will benefit from a promotional and communication campaign targeting the Canadian and international animation industry.