Movies

Rising Voices Canada Program Unleashes Big Opportunities for BIPOC Creators

Aspiring filmmakers from all backgrounds are getting the opportunity they deserve to have their voices heard.

10/05/2023

Leading job site Indeed has announced the launch of Rising Voices Canada, a program that will guide talented Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Colour (BIPOC) filmmakers on the path to success in the film industry. This project is done in partnership with BIPOC TV & Film, Hillman Grad, and Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

This opportunity will let up-and-coming talent take tangible steps toward their dreams. With training, resources, and networking, the Rising Voices Canada program is ready to help bring vivid stories to the big screen and evolve Canadian cinema.

What is Rising Voices?

Key art for Rising Voices 3, set before Rising Voices Canada | Agents of Fandom — The Rising Voices program has been going strong since its creation. Image Credit: Indeed.

In 2021, Indeed teamed up with Lena Waithe, Hillman Grad, Ventureland, and 271 Films to create Rising Voices and support underrepresented voices. With over 1,600 applications and 30 films in production, this program has created more than 2,000 jobs for professionals in every corner of the filmmaking world, from production to cinematography. Some creatives from this program have gone on to direct episodes for shows like American Born Chinese and Chicago Fire, become writers at Netflix, and receive NAACP Image Awards nominations.

The Rising Voices Canada program will see five Canadian filmmakers engage in development sessions, monthly workshops, and networking conversations with other directors, writers, and producers over the course of a year. With the support of TIFF, they will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to industry professionals next summer at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.

Rising Voices Canada Application Info

For applicants to be eligible, the following criteria need to be met:

Completed draft of an original narrative screenplay (feature-length)
Must have not made a narrative feature film
Must not have already directed a Rising Voices film
Must submit 1–2 pieces of sample work
Must not yet have US representation (agent, manager)
Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada

Candidates can send their applications starting in early October 2023 through the BIPOC TV and Film site. Interviews will take place from November 13 to 17, 2023, and the program will begin in January 2024.

If you or anyone you know is looking for the opportunity of a lifetime in the film and TV industry, don’t hesitate to apply! Follow the Agents of Fandom socials to stay up to date with our movie and TV coverage.

Author

Ryan Cortero

Social media guru, senior writer, and working towards editor. I'm a Filipino born and raised in the city where 'The Boys' is filmed. I'm passionate for all types of movies and shows, especially reality TV, superhero content, and indie dramas. Since the pandemic, I've started working my way through the world of anime, but I've always been a fan of DBZ and Pokémon. I love talking about pop culture to anyone willing and interested (almost to an annoying level). If someone brings up a movie or show as small talk, I can give a whole monologue behind it. Same can be said if the topic is on the Disney Parks. Currently visited 4 out of the 6 international Disney resorts, with Tokyo Disneyland/Disney Sea being my personal favourite. I graduated from Carleton University with a postbaccalaureate in Film Studies. Even though it was a tough process going back to school post-pandemic, I encourage those who have the means to pursue your passions to do so. You don't want to regret that decision when it's too late.