Overview

The MENA Canada Filmmaking Grant returns for its third year! Thank you to everyone who applied and participated in this year’s process. Stay tuned via our social media accounts to see the film unfold and stay tuned for future opportunities.

Rules & Guidelines

• To be eligible, the project lead who will apply on behalf of the project must identify with the Southwest Asian, Middle Eastern or North African community and reside in Canada. They should also occupy a key role in the team (producer/director/writer).

• The applicant must be simply be based in Canada. However, the proposed production itself doesn't have to be within Canada.

• Projects in a language other than English must have translation and subtitling costs as part of its proposed budget. We ask, however, that grant applications be in English.

• All submissions by established and emerging artists are welcome and will be guaranteed reading by the grant team before referral to the external jury board; films by first-time and early-career artists will be given particular consideration. If awarded, these projects may be paired with a project facilitator or mentor to ensure timely completion of the proposed film if deemed necessary.

• All genres are welcome, and experimental and original portrayals of the MENA/SWANA identity and narratives are encouraged.

For any inquiries about the guidelines, eligibility or timeline of the grant, feel free to email info@menafilmfestival.com

2023 Timeline & Schedule

Applications

• May 1st - Applications Open

• June 8th (23:59 PT) - Applications Close - (Extended by 1 week!)

• July 15th - Winning Team Revealed

Pre-Production

• July 23rd - Briefing with the winning team 

• August 1st - 1st Round of Deliverables

• August 7th - 2nd Round of Deliverables

Production, Delivery and Premiere

• August 15th (latest) - Shooting begins 

• September 15th - 3rd Round of Deliverables (Rough Cut)

• October 1st - 4th Round of deliverables (Fine Cut)

• October 15th - 5th Round of deliverables (Finished trailer)

• October 31st - Final Delivery of the film (Final Cut)

• November (TBD) - Premiere at MENA Film Festival in Vancouver

*All dates are subject to change in accordance with production requirements and federal COVID updates.