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. The intended outcome of this Program is to discover and develop the next generation of Canadian filmmakers, and to allow them to establish their voice and sensibility through a first feature.

Talent to Watch Program 2025

On Screen Manitoba is a Designated Industry Partner for the 2025 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, mentorship 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

Receiving funding from Talent to Watch for my first feature film, ‘STRONG SON’, was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. It was a bold step forward in my journey as a film director and writer.

This opportunity not only allowed me to bring a long-developed passion project to life but also marked my transition from a short filmmaker to a feature director. I have immense respect for anyone who applies to this program—it pushes you to take that next big step while challenging you to grow as a filmmaker.
— Ian Bawa, filmmaker, Talent to Watch Recipient 2023

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 Producers, Directors and Screenwriters are considered as the key members of the creative team.

To be eligible, all the key members of the creative team must:

  1. be Canadian citizens, within the definition of the Citizenship Act, or permanent residents within the definition of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (unless the project is an audiovisual treaty coproduction);

  2. be emerging talent, i.e.: - they must have previously produced, directed and/or written at least a:

    ▪ short film (a film of 30 minutes or less);

    ▪ web production;

    ▪ television content;

    ▪ commercials;

    ▪ music videos;

    Or equivalent experience in the screen-based industry

    AND they 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 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.


STEP 2: Confirm your eligibility

Finished reviewing the program guidelines? Use the link below to confirm your eligibility for a recommendation from On Screen Manitoba to Telefilm Canada’s 2025 Talent to Watch Program.

Deadline to Confirm Eligibility with OSM:  Monday, April 7 at 5 p.m. CDT.


STEP 3: Submit your application

Submit your completed application to On Screen Manitoba by Thursday, April 10 at 12 p.m. (noon) CDT. We will notify successful applicants by Tuesday, April 15 at 5 p.m. CDT.


Key Dates

  • Monday, April 7 at 5 p.m. CDT – Deadline to confirm eligibility with On Screen Manitoba. See Step 2.

  • Thursday, April 10 at 12 p.m. (noon) CDT – Deadline to submit your application to On Screen Manitoba

  • Tuesday, April 15 at 5 p.m. CDT – On Screen Manitoba will inform successful applicants

  • Wednesday, April 16 at 7 a.m. CDT – Telefilm Canada application period opens

  • Wednesday, April 30 at 10:59 p.m. CDT – Telefilm Canada application period closes

  • April 16–29 – Pitch support period: Selected teams will receive mentorship from On Screen Manitoba to prepare their final applications


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.