NFB x TIFF – Call for Filmmakers
Capture our moment. Share your story.
5 filmmakers. 5 short films. Produced, financed and distributed by the NFB. Premiering at TIFF 2026.
Details
{RE}DEFINED is an opportunity to shape the national conversation. To explore what it means to be Canadian or Indigenous today. We’re looking for 5 snapshots of life, in this time and place, from your local perspective, experience and point of view.
We’re seeking storytellers who are listening deeply to the current moment, challenging assumptions and offering new ways of seeing who we are and who we are becoming. What truths are rising now? What narratives will shape our future? This is an invitation to {re}define Canada through your lens. To capture our moment. To share your story.
- 5 short films
- Made by filmmakers 30 and under;
- Exploring new forms, formats and approaches to documentary;
- In celebration of 50 years of Canadian cinema at TIFF;
- From idea to world premiere in under a year.
The fine print
- All films will be produced, financed and distributed by the NFB;
- All films will have their world premiere at TIFF 2026;
- All films will stream online following the premiere;
- Selected filmmakers will be part of a cohort and will be set up with industry mentorships;
- We invite creative interpretations of the ask in terms of format and approach. We are looking for projects that innovate the documentary form and offer something engaging and resonant for audiences to connect with;
- All projects will start and finish between November 2025 and July 2026. The exact production and post-production schedule will be assessed and built collaboratively as part of the final selection process, based on the parameters of each project;
- Post-production will take place at our NFB flagship studios in Montreal with all expenses paid.
Submit your proposal here
The deadline for applications is September 30, 2025.
If you need accomodations throughout the submission process, please contact us at redefined@nfb.ca
Selection process
The NFB in collaboration with TIFF and TIFF Next Wave will create a shortlist of applicants.
Shortlisted filmmakers will be invited into a discussion with the NFB producing teams and TIFF to evaluate creative alignment, to assess feasibility and to develop a clear pathway for collaboration.
The NFB will select the 5 final projects.
The stories we’re looking for
We are looking for 5 filmmakers, ages 30 and under, to create an original short film about what it means to be Canadian or Indigenous today. From where you are. From your perspective.
We want to be inspired and surprised—narratively, visually and formally. Give us something new.
We’re looking for projects from storytellers who are listening deeply to the current moment, challenging assumptions and offering new ways of seeing who we are, who we are becoming and how our stories can shape the future.
We want regional, cultural, ethnic, political, gender and sexual diversity, and representation from coast to coast to coast. We want this collection of films to explore Canadian and Indigenous identity not as a single story, but as a rich, layered conversation.
Eligible genres
We are looking for new forms, formats and approaches to what is traditionally called documentary. In this moment of social media, new technologies and the blurring lines between reality and the imagined, we want to explore what’s fresh and next.
Length
Maximum 10 minutes. Short is sweet.
Language
We will be selecting 3 English projects and 2 French projects.
Submitting your proposal:
Submissions should be a maximum of 5 pages and should include:
- Your idea: concept + synopsis | What’s your film about? What’s the spark? Break it down for us—big picture and juicy details.
- Why it matters: relevance + positioning | Why this story, now? How does it connect with the themes and questions posed by {re}defined? Who’s it for—and why will they care?
- Visual + narrative approach | What will it look like? Sound like? Feel like? How will your style elevate the story you’re telling? How will it foster connection? Create an impact?
- You: bio + socials + CV + links to past or current work | Who are you? Where have you been? Why are you the ideal person to share this story?
- Rough timeline: production schedule| A rough sketch so we know you’re grounded while dreaming big.
Submit your proposal here
The deadline for applications is September 30, 2025.
If you need accomodations throughout the submission process, please contact us at redefined@nfb.ca
FAQ
Each film will have a budget of between $150K and $250K, to be finalized based on the scale, scope and parameters of the production plan as determined by the NFB and the filmmaker. The budget will be a mix of cash, post-production services and NFB services. All filmmakers will be paid and contracted for their services via the NFB’s standard guild agreements (DGC, WGC, ARRQ, SARTEC, etc.).
Selected filmmakers will make up a cohort. Before starting production, we will bring all the selected filmmakers to Montreal for a week of orientation, creative meetings, collaboration and community building. This will take place in either December or January.
All filmmakers will be expected to attend the TIFF world premiere of their film in September 2026.
In between, filmmakers may be asked to participate in panels, discussions and/or TIFF Next Wave events. These appearances will be scheduled based on your availability, and the production plan for the films will be prioritized.
The NFB will pay for all associated travel costs, as required.
We want to give space to the next generation of filmmakers and allow their voices to carry our stories. Filmmakers should be 30 and under at the time of the application, and we trust you to submit accordingly. And if you have a birthday while we’re in production, that’s okay (it’s even quite sweet!).
Content:
We’re looking for spark and diversity to guide our selections. We want projects that push the envelope, that are bold and innovative, and that honour the vastness and diversity of this place. In evaluating this, we consider the subject you’re exploring and the visual and narrative approach. What is the strength of the story you’re telling? Who are you, and why are you the right person to tell this story? How will it make an impact?
Feasibility:
We will consider feasibility and evaluate whether the film can start and be completed by the July 2026 deadline. Can we deliver on the visual and narrative approach within the established budget? Have you confirmed your availability and capacity to dedicate most of your year to making this film? Do you understand and embrace what it means to collaborate with the NFB and the team? The NFB is a producer and distributor, not a funder (though your film will be fully funded), and we want to make sure we have a shared understanding of what that means.
Audience engagement:
We want projects that are going to connect with new audiences. Why does your subject hold relevance, and how will your approach and story best engage your target audience and have an impact?
Experience:
We welcome a wide range of filmmaker experience, but you need to be able to demonstrate your capacity to deliver on your proposal. What experience sets you up for success on this project? Can you demonstrate that via past work?
The filmmaker and the NFB production team will collaborate on the selection and hiring of key creatives who maximize the chances of delivering the best possible film. We’ll work together on this.
Your main collaborator at the NFB will be your producer. NFB producers will be part of the selection process, to ensure there’s a good fit between the producer and the filmmaker. You’ll also work with a line producer, administrator, senior production coordinator, a marketing team, a publicist and various other internal specialists. The entire initiative is being overseen by an executive producer. And each filmmaker will have the opportunity to work with a mentor, if desired.
Yes, this will be part of the feasibility discussion.