Canwest-Hot Docs Funds
In 2008 Hot Docs and Canwest partnered in the creation of the Canwest-Hot Docs Documentary Funds. These Funds consist of a $3-million completion fund and a $1-million development fund. Canwest's $4-million infusion into the Canadian documentary production community via the Funds will provide much-needed financial support to filmmakers facing financing gaps at critical stages in their projects. Hot Docs will manage and disperse the Funds' benefit monies over a next seven-year period.
The Canwest-Hot Docs Funds aim to increase the quantity and quality of social, cultural and political one-off documentaries produced in Canada by Canadian-based production companies. In nurturing Canadian talent and giving voice to a diversity of viewpoints, the Funds will ultimately help Canadian documentaries reach new audiences.
Thus far the Canwest-Hot Docs Funds have supported 55 Canadian documentary projects with $1,010,000 in completion grants and $359,000 in no-interest loans.
2010-11 Applications
Applications for the second round of 2010 disbursements will be accepted beginning in the fall, with a deadline of Wednesday, October 27.
Applications for the first round of 2011 disbursements will be accepted beginning in late winter / early spring, with a deadline of Wednesday, May 25.
New in 2010
The application process is now entirely electronic and online. Please carefully review the guidelines and required documents for specific information.
- Learn more about the eligibility criteria and application process for the Completion Fund and the Development Fund
- Read about the successes of past recipients and view complete archive
- Questions? Contact Programming Manager Karina Rotenstein






