The Conseil des arts de Montréal, the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) and the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) via its ACIC (Aide au cinéma indépendant – Canada) program have created the very first residency in Montreal for emerging, culturally diverse filmmakers. The $75,000 residency, known as Regard sur Montréal, will fund training, scriptwriting, production, post-production, as well as promotion and distribution of a short film. Announced today, this collaboration between the three levels of government is designed to ensure a greater presence for emerging, culturally diverse professionals working in film and television production. Cultural diversity is essential to fostering Montreal’s cultural development and boosting the city’s profile.
“Since 2006, the Conseil des arts de Montréal has been striving to ensure that the professional arts world mirrors the city’s social fabric, which is very multicultural,” the Chair of the Conseil, Jan-Fryderyk Pleszczynski, explained. “By joining forces with SODEC and the NFB (ACIC), we’re expanding our efforts to support emerging talent and integrate culturally diverse artists into the film industry, a goal that fits perfectly with our priorities.”
“The residency project was born out of a desire to partner directly with other institutions that have set up cultural diversity programs or are exploring this issue,” said Catherine Loumède, Executive Director of Film and Television Production at SODEC. “By pooling our resources, we plan to give up-and-coming Montreal filmmakers from different cultural or immigrant communities an opportunity to produce a short documentary. This alliance between SODEC, the NFB and the Conseil des arts de Montréal is the first of its kind, and it makes us very proud.”
“The NFB supports the talent of artists from all communities, notably through its ACIC program, with the goal of nurturing filmmakers examining the different facets of our society. This residency project, which is bolstered by the complementary expertise of its three partners, reflects a common vision for promoting diversity,” said Claude Joli-Coeur, Acting Government Film Commissioner and NFB Chairperson.
Call for applications
The aim of the 11-month residency is to produce a short documentary with a focus squarely on Montreal. An emerging filmmaker from a cultural community will draw on his or her unique perspective to create a film that showcases one aspect of the city. The deadline to apply is October 24, 2014. The application form and further details are posted on the Conseil des arts de Montréal website (http://www.artsmontreal.org/en/residence/cineaste.div).
About the Conseil des arts de Montréal
A dynamic partner of artistic creativity in Montreal, the Conseil des arts de Montréal identifies, supports and recognizes excellence and innovation in the creation, production and presentation of professional artistic endeavours. It encourages experimentation, discovery and daring at the heart of Montreal’s artistic landscape, thanks to its initiatives that stimulate emerging and culturally diverse artists. Since 1956, the Conseil has been an influential player in the development of “Montreal, Cultural Metropolis.”
About SODEC
SODEC is a government corporation overseen by the Quebec Minister of Culture and Communications. It supports the creation and growth of cultural enterprises throughout the province. Established in 1995, SODEC has since become a true driving force for cultural development in Quebec. SODEC brings together the passion of artistic creation with the power of economic development and provides cultural enterprises with a range of solutions designed to nurture Quebec creators and promote the production, distribution and exportation of their work.
About the NFB
This year, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) marks 75 years of innovation and leadership in social-issue documentaries, auteur animation, and groundbreaking interactive works. The NFB has produced over 13,000 productions and won over 5,000 awards, including 10 Webbys, 9 Canadian Screen Awards, 12 Oscars and more than 90 Genies. To access acclaimed NFB content, visit NFB.ca or download its apps for smartphones, tablets and connected TV.
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