Netflix teams up with Hot Docs in five-year funding deal

Netflix and Canada’s documentary festival and conference, Hot Docs, are unveiling a five-year funding and development initiative for Canadian filmmakers.

The Hot Docs ‘Canadian Storytellers Project’ will invest in funding and professional development programs for Canadian documentarians who may be indigenous, French-speaking, deaf and/or have a disability, or that are persons of colour.

This will include the support of ten fellowships annually for Hot Docs’ Doc Accelerator program for emerging filmmakers. A handful of emerging filmmakers are already being supported via the program with support from Netflix at this year’s Hot Docs.

In addition, the’ CrossCurrents Canada Doc Fund’ will financially support 25-40 independent doc projects from emerging filmmakers over the next five years with grants ranging from C$10,000 – $50,000 (£5,000-28,000).

The Doc Fund will accept applications for its first round of funding this autumn.

The news arrives after Netflix made a C$500m originals deal with the Canadian government to invest in original English and French-language programming over the next five years.

“Netflix and its members around the world are passionate about documentary films and series,” said Netflix vice president of original docs and comedy Lisa Nishimura.

“We are thrilled to partner with Hot Docs to support Canadian storytellers. This project will promote opportunities for emerging filmmakers, who offer a diversity of perspectives and connect their unique voices to global audiences.”