Filmmaker Mentorship Program

The Sundar Prize Film Festival Filmmaker Mentorship Program aims to bridge the gap between emerging filmmakers and experienced professionals in the BC and Canadian film industry. The program provides a platform for knowledge exchange, skill development, and networking, aiming to foster the next generation of BC and Canadian filmmakers. Scroll through to learn about the application requirements and benefits of this program for mentors and mentees alike.

Please note 30 to 50% of the mentorship opportunities will be reserved for local emerging filmmakers from across British Columbia.

Learn About the Program
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Official Partners

Mentor Info and Requirements

Mentor Requirements

  • Have at least three professional IMDb credits in a key creative role, such as Producer, Director, Writer, Editor, or Cinematographer.
  • Be at least 19 years old and live in Canada.
  • Understand the Canadian film production landscape and industry.
  • Be available for up to 15 one-hour Zoom sessions throughout the year.
  • Provide constructive guidance, feedback, and support as the mentee develops their film project.

Mentors receive a $100 honorarium per session, up to $1,500 for the program. Additional sessions may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Program Benefits

Mentors receive:

  • Recognition across the festival’s website, social media, promotional materials, and program guide.
  • Opportunities to connect with filmmakers and industry professionals through festival events.
  • A complimentary VIP pass to film screenings, panels, receptions, Open Mic pitch sessions, and other festival activities.
  • Professional development through sharing their expertise and reflecting on their creative practice.
  • The opportunity to support emerging filmmakers and contribute to a more diverse and innovative Canadian film industry.

Mentee Info and Requirements

Mentee Requirements

  • Have an active film project in pre-production, production, or post-production that would benefit from mentorship.
  • Have fewer than three professional IMDb credits.
  • Be at least 16 years old and live in Canada.
  • Be committed to building a career in the Canadian film industry.
  • Arrive prepared for each session with project updates, questions, and areas for discussion.
  • Participate actively throughout the program.

The mentee position is voluntary. Those who complete the program will receive a $400 professional development stipend.

Program Benefits

Mentees receive:

  • Guidance and feedback from an experienced Canadian film professional.
  • Access to valuable industry connections and networking opportunities.
  • A complimentary VIP pass to the Sundar Prize Film Festival.
  • A free festival submission waiver upon completing their film.
  • A digital Certificate of Completion.
  • The option to request a letter of support for funding, partnerships, or festival submissions.
  • Potential opportunities to participate in the festival as a panelist, moderator, or jury member.

Program Structure

The program includes 15 tailored Zoom sessions covering areas such as script development, production planning, post-production, and industry strategy.

A mid-program check-in will assess progress and identify any adjustments needed. The program concludes with a final review, future goal-setting, and feedback session.

Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Applications are open to everyone. We strongly encourage applications from BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, disabled, and other underrepresented filmmakers as part of our commitment to a more inclusive Canadian film industry.

Apply to the Sundar Prize Mentorship Program

Application Process

Prospective mentees will submit an application detailing their film project. Please use the form below. You will need:

  • Project Title
  • Project Details (3500 characters max)
  • Goals for the mentorship (3500 characters max)
  • A brief bio (2500 characters max)
  • CV (5 pages max – PDF or DOC)
  • Photo (JPG or PNG)
  • Two professional community or film industry references

This may be followed by an interview to ensure the best match between mentor and mentee. Please note that an interview may not be necessary.

Application Form

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
Accepted file types: pdf, doc, Max. file size: 2 GB.
Accepted file types: jpg, png, Max. file size: 2 GB.

Two professional community or film industry references

Reference 1(Required)
Reference 2(Required)