Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch Program provides funding for first-time feature films by new directors, producers or writers with experience in short films, web series, television or equivalent format.
On Screen Manitoba is a Designated Industry Partner for the Talent to Watch Program
Each year, we may recommend up to three projects under the Main, Indigenous, and Official Language Minority Community (OLMC) components.
By applying through On Screen Manitoba, you’ll receive support throughout the process — including pitch preparation and a recommendation letter to include in your application to Telefilm Canada.
We’ve proudly supported several Manitoba-based filmmakers who went on to receive Talent to Watch funding:
2023 – Main: Ian Bawa, Strong Son
2022 – Indigenous: Darcy Waite & Madison Thomas, Lucky Strikes
2020 – Indigenous: Ryan Cooper (Wilson), Alter Boys
2019 – Indigenous: Adeline Bird & Ryan Wilson (Cooper), iNdigiThreads
2019 – Main: Cecilia Araneda, Intersection
If you're interested in applying, start by reviewing the eligibility criteria and following the steps below. We’re here to help guide you through the process.
Step 1: Review the full Talent to Watch program guidelines on Telefilm Canada’s website.
The Talent to Watch page on Telefilm Canada’s website includes everything you need to get started: program overview, eligibility criteria, application documents, deadlines, updates, contracting and reporting information, business policies, and access to past guidelines.
At a glance, here are some key information you need to know:
General eligibility criteria
The producer, director, and screenwriter are considered the key members of the creative team.
To be eligible, all key members must: • be Canadian citizens (as defined by the Citizenship Act) or permanent residents (as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act), unless the project is an audiovisual treaty coproduction
• be emerging talent, meaning they must have previously produced, directed, and/or written at least one of the following: – a short film (30 minutes or less) – a web production – television content – commercials – music videos – or have equivalent experience in the screen-based industry
AND
• must not have previously held the same key position on a feature film
Eligibility Criteria Applicable to Projects
To be eligible, a project must :
1) be primarily produced in English, French, an Indigenous language or, for artistic imperatives, in another language;
2) be intended to be fictional, or documentary audiovisual projects;
3) be a feature length film of 75 minutes or more;
4) with respect to Canadian content certification, upon completion be either: certified by the Canadian Audio-visual Certification Office (CAVCO) as a “Canadian film or video production” with a minimum of 8 out of 10 points under the provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada); or o recognized as a treaty coproduction by the Minister of Canadian Heritage (refer to Telefilm’s guidelines on Audiovisual Coproductions).
5) have a total budget ranging between $150,000 and $500,000.
6) conform to the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) Code of Ethics and to all other programming standards endorsed by the CAB or the CRTC, and not contain any element that is an offence under the Criminal Code, is libellous or in any other way unlawful.
Finished reviewing the program guidelines? Use the link below to confirm your eligibility for a recommendation from On Screen Manitoba to Telefilm Canada’s 2026 Talent to Watch Program.
Deadline to Confirm Eligibility with OSM: Monday, April 6 at 5 p.m. CDT
Once we’ve confirmed your eligibility, you will receive a link to submit your full application.
Submit your completed application to On Screen Manitoba by Thursday, April 9 at 12 p.m. (noon) CDT. We will notify successful applicants by Monday, April 13 at 5 p.m. CDT.
2026 Key Dates
Monday, April 6 at 5 p.m. CDT – Deadline to confirm eligibility with On Screen Manitoba. See Step 2.
Thursday, April 9 at 12 p.m. (noon) CDT – Deadline to submit your application to On Screen Manitoba
Monday, April 13 at 5 p.m. CDT – On Screen Manitoba will inform successful applicants
Between April 14 – April 28 – Pitch support period: Selected teams will receive mentorship from On Screen Manitoba to prepare their final applications
Tuesday, April 14 at 7 a.m. CDT – Telefilm Canada application period opens
Tuesday , April 28 at 10:59 p.m. CDT – Telefilm Canada application period closes
Questions and clarifications?
If you would like more information on Talent to Watch or have any questions, please contact Maryam Decter, Workforce Development Manager: maryam@onscreenmanitoba.com or 204.927.5898.
