Media Room

Canwest-Hot Docs Development Fund

The Canwest-Hot Docs Development Fund is a loan program designed to help producers get specific projects developed, researched, written and/or packaged and ready for market. The Fund will provide no-interest loans averaging between $10,000 - $15,000 in the early development stage, when projects are at the highest risk and may have not yet secured a market partner. The Development Fund is expected to support on average 10 to 12 projects per year.

The objectives of the Development Fund are:

  • To provide financial support to independent Canadian documentary filmmakers and producers;
  • To increase the quality and quantity of social, cultural and political documentaries produced by Canadian production companies;
  • To ensure that the Canwest-Hot Docs’ Documentary Funds have the maximum positive impact on the independent documentary production community in Canada;
  • To nurture Canadian talent, give voice to diverse points of view and help Canadian documentaries reach wider audiences in Canada and in the international marketplace; and
  • To assist Canadian production companies and/or producers at the early development stages of their projects where the financial risk is highest and there may not yet be a market partner.

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.

Please carefully review the guidelines and required documents for specific information.

Canwest-Hot Docs Dates

October 27, 2010
Application Deadline for Second Round of 2010 Funding

May 25, 2011
Application Deadline for First Round of 2011 Funding

View the Hot Docs Collection.
Read the 2010 Festival Daily.
View Hot Docs films on iTunes.

Stay in touch

Thank you for subscribing to the Hot Docs eBulletin. Your subscription will be finalized momentarily. Please take the time to help us get to know you better by filling in the information below. These details will not be shared with any third party organizations and are for internal office use only. Address information will allow us to include you in any relevant mailings, such as the mailing of our screening schedule or industry registration postcard.

Required Information

Information in required fields is missing or incomplete. Please complete the form below and try submitting again.

    Additional Information

    Sign up for the Hot Docs E-bulletin