Sundar Prize Film Festival Filmmaker Mentorship Program
The 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 pogram 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.
Official Partners
Mentor Requirements
- Professional Experience: Must possess a minimum of three professional IMDb credits in a key creative role such as Producer, Director, Editor, Writer, or Cinematographer. These credits should reflect a demonstrated expertise and successful track record in the Canadian film industry.
- Age: Must be 19 years of age or older.
- Residency: Must reside in Canada and understand the Canadian film production landscape, including its unique challenges, opportunities, and industry standards.
- Commitment: Willing to dedicate time for up to 15 one-hour Zoom sessions per year. These sessions will provide guidance, feedback, and support to the mentee as they navigate their film project.
- Honorarium: Mentors will receive an honorarium of $100 per session, totaling up to $1,500 for the year. This payment acknowledges the mentor’s time and expertise while promoting sustained engagement with the mentee. Additional sessions may be approved on a case by case basis.
Program Benefits for Mentors
- Recognition: Mentors will be recognized in the festival’s promotional materials, including the official website, social media platforms, and festival program guide, highlighting their contribution to the mentorship program and the Canadian film industry.
- Professional Development: Participating as a mentor provides an opportunity for professional growth by allowing mentors to reflect on their own practices, articulate their knowledge, and potentially discover new insights through the mentoring process.
- Networking Opportunities: Mentors will have the opportunity to expand their professional network by connecting with other mentors, industry leaders, and emerging filmmakers through festival events, including VIP receptions, panel discussions, and the Open Mic pitch sessions.
- Contributing to the Film Industry: By mentoring emerging filmmakers, mentors play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Canadian cinema. Their guidance helps bring diverse, innovative voices to the forefront, contributing to the overall growth and enrichment of the industry.
- VIP Access to Festival Events: Mentors will receive a complimentary all-access VIP pass to the upcoming Sundar Prize Film Festival. This pass includes access to film screenings, panel discussions, networking events, and other exclusive festival activities, providing additional exposure to industry trends and talent.
- Mentorship Experience: The mentorship experience itself offers personal fulfillment as mentors witness the growth and success of their mentees, knowing they played a significant role in their development.
Application Process
Mentors are required to submit a CV, IMDb link, a professional photo, a 200-word biography, and two professional film industry related references.
Please submit your applications to Amar Sangha, Co-Founder of the Sundar Prize Film Festival
info@sherpride.ca
Mentee Requirements
- Project Requirement: Must have an active film project they are working on, with a clear vision and objectives. This project should be in a stage that would benefit from professional mentorship, whether in pre-production, production, or post-production.
- Professional Experience: Mentees must have fewer than 3 professional IMDb credits.
- Age: Must be 16 years of age or older.
- Residency: They must live in Canada and be interested in developing their career within the Canadian film industry.
- Commitment to Learning: Must demonstrate a genuine willingness to learn and grow, as evidenced by their active participation and engagement during the mentorship sessions.
- Preparation: Mentees are required to prepare a list of questions, concerns, and relevant project information before each mentorship session. This preparation ensures that the sessions are productive and tailored to the mentee’s needs.
- Volunteer Position: The mentee position is voluntary, offering benefits that can significantly enhance their career trajectory. Mentees, however, do receive a $400 stipend for finishing the program for professional development.
Program Benefits for Mentees
- Networking Opportunities: Gain access to a network of established professionals in the Canadian film industry. This network can open doors to future collaborations, partnerships, and career advancement opportunities.
- Expert Guidance: Benefit from the mentor’s experience, knowledge, and industry insights. The mentor will provide valuable feedback and consultation, helping the mentee to navigate challenges and refine their film project.
- Letter of Support: Upon successful completion of the mentorship program, mentees may request a letter of support from their mentor or the Sundar Prize Film Festival’s Executive Director and Senior Programmer. This letter can strongly endorse their film project when seeking funding, partnerships, or festival submissions.
- VIP Access: Mentees will receive a complimentary all-access VIP pass to the upcoming Sundar Prize Film Festival. This pass grants access to film screenings, panel discussions, networking receptions, Open Mic pitch sessions, and other exclusive festival events, further expanding their industry connections and exposure. Mentees who have completed their film project will receive a full free waiver code to submit to the upcoming Sundar Prize Film Festival for consideration for their film to be screened. The mentee may also be asked to be a panelist, moderator, or serve on a jury.
- Stipend: Mentees will also receive a stipend of $400 for finishing the program for professional development
- Digital Certificate: Mentees will receive a digital Certificate of Completion
Application Process
Prospective mentees will submit an application detailing their film project (500 words max), goals for the mentorship (500 words max), a brief bio (200 words max), CV (5 pages max), photo, and 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.
Please submit your applications to Amar Sangha, Co-Founder of the Sundar Prize Film Festival
info@sherpride.ca
2025 Mentorship Program Cohort
G Amarnath Sankar (Mentee) and King Louie Palomo (Mentor)
About the Mentee
G Amarnath Sankar is a queer filmmaker and engineer from Kerala, India whose work focuses on identity, belonging, and personal relationships.
About the Mentor
King Louie Palomo is an award-winning Filipino Canadian director and producer with a strong background in character driven storytelling.
Their Mentorship Journey
Across 15 mentorship sessions, Sankar collaborated closely with Palomo to refine and develop “Flicker of Home,” a story about an Indian immigrant navigating love and cultural identity in Canada. Together, they shaped the script and explored the filmmaking process from concept to creative execution.
“I have a very refined script with me now and so much insight into the pain and effort that goes into making a good film. This mentorship gives me an identity. I can introduce myself as a Sundar Prize Filmmaker Mentee.” – G Amarnath Sankar
Kuntal Patel (Mentee) and Vinay Giridhar (Mentor)
About the Mentee
Kuntal Patel is an emerging filmmaker and community advocate from India. She is the founder of Samskara – Food for Thoughts, an initiative focused on nutrition and mental health for immigrants.
About the Mentor
Vinay Giridhar is the co-founder of the Sundar Prize Film Festival and an acclaimed Kerala born artist and filmmaker. His debut feature “Emergence: Out of the Shadows” screened at more than 50 international festivals, including Academy Award, BAFTA, and Canadian Screen Award qualifying festivals.
Their Mentorship Journey
Through the program, Patel developed “Resilient Roots,” a documentary that looks at the experiences of immigrant youth navigating identity and belonging. She also began writing her first narrative film script. Giridhar supported her with creative guidance, production planning, and industry insight grounded in his own lived experience.
“This mentorship helped me discover my passion for film. I started with no experience. Now I have a documentary package, a narrative film script writing in progress, and the confidence to call myself a filmmaker.” – Kuntal Patel
Amit Dhuga (Mentee) and Sean Farnel (Mentor)
About the Mentee
Amit Dhuga is an award-winning director based in North Vancouver and the founder of Boundless Lion Productions. His films highlight South Asian stories in Canada, including “Ranvir” which explores family honour and racism, and “Prisoner” which addresses gang violence.
About the Mentor
Sean Farnel is a highly respected leader in the Canadian film industry. He was the first Director of Programming at Hot Docs and established the documentary program at the Toronto International Film Festival. He has served as a consulting producer on celebrated films including “To Kill a Tiger,” “Eternal Spring,” and “Emergence: Out of the Shadows.”
Their Mentorship Journey
Dhuga is currently in post-production on his debut feature “You are Mine,” a thriller about a group of South Asian girlfriends stalked by a violent incel on Valentine’s Day. Farnel has been guiding him through distribution planning, festival strategy, and the long term vision for the film.
“With Sean’s amazing support, I’m learning about film distribution and proudly shaping a solid plan for my feature film’s journey” – Amit Dhuga
Program Structure and Timeline:
- Session Structure: Each of the 15 Zoom sessions will have a specific focus tailored to the mentee’s project needs. Topics might include script development, production planning, post-production techniques, and industry networking strategies.
- Mid-Program Check-In: A mid-year check-in will be conducted with the Executive Director and Senior Programmer of the Sundar Prize Film Festival and the mentee to assess the mentorship’s progress and address any concerns or adjustments needed to maximize the program’s effectiveness.
- Program Completion: At the end of the program, both mentor and mentee will participate in a final session to review the progress made, set future goals, and provide feedback on the program experience.
- Diversity and Inclusion Policy: We accept applications from everyone but strongly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups, including BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, individuals with disabilities, and other marginalized communities. We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the Filmmaker Mentorship Program and the broader Canadian film industry.
Summary
The Filmmaker Mentorship Program is a unique opportunity for emerging Canadian filmmakers to gain the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed in the film industry. By pairing them with experienced mentors, the program fosters a collaborative and supportive environment that nurtures talent and helps bring new, diverse voices to the forefront of Canadian cinema.
APPLICATIONS
Please submit your applications to Amar Sangha, Co-Founder of the Sundar Prize Film Festival
info@sherpride.ca
QUESTIONS
All questions can be directed to Sidartha Murjani, Executive Diredtor and Senior Programmer of the Sundar Prize Film Festival
programming@sundarprize.com
Contact
Amar Sangha
Co-Founder of the Sundar Prize Film Festival
info@sherpride.ca
Sidartha Murjani
Executive Director and Senior Programmer of the Sundar Prize Film Festival
programming@sundarprize.com