CFC Bolsters Access to Screen-Based Programs with New Scholarship Initiative

Full entrance scholarships and additional financial assistance will be awarded to all incoming residents of screen-based programs

Toronto, July 20, 2022 – The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) has introduced a new entrance scholarship to entirely offset tuition fees for all incoming residents of the organization’s film, television and acting programs. Each year, these scholarships will be automatically awarded to entering residents upon their acceptance into the aforementioned programs. The scholarship initiative is aimed at reducing barriers and increasing access to CFC programs and is part of the organization’s broader commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) as outlined in its 2022-2024 strategic plan. The scholarship funds are made possible thanks to the generosity of CFC donors, including named bursaries and longstanding donors to the organization’s Endowment Fund.

“Stories come from everywhere. CFC is committed to shaping the future of Canadian storytelling and to eliminating barriers of all kinds – especially financial – to better support and empower Canadian storytellers from all communities, identities, abilities, and intersections,” shared maxine bailey, Executive Director, CFC. “Of course, this scholarship initiative wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our generous donors and funders who are helping us amplify the voices and stories of a new generation of creative talent.”

The residents of the 2022 Bell Media Prime Time TV Program and the 2022 Norman Jewison Film Program, who started their respective programs on July 5, 2022, are the first cohorts to receive this scholarship. In addition to the entrance scholarship, for the duration of their program, incoming residents will receive a monthly bursary to help offset additional costs associated with participating in the abovementioned programs. For individuals from outside of Ontario who are relocating to Toronto to attend the CFC, they will also receive a one-time relocation bursary.

The announcement of this scholarship initiative comes a year into maxine bailey’s tenure as executive director. She joined the CFC in May 2021, with a clear vision for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility to drive and inform all of the organization’s operations and offerings.

“It is critical that we all play our part in dismantling the status quo, that we challenge injustice and embrace difference, so that our workplaces, our industry, our communities and our content reflect the world in which we live,” added bailey. “I’m focused on continuing to evolve CFC’s offerings and initiatives in order to create more opportunities for underrepresented Canadian storytellers to meaningfully participate in the screen industry and showcase their voices and stories.”

In the first year of bailey’s tenure, the CFC has implemented initial changes to the organization as part of its ongoing efforts to be more inclusive to all communities. It enhanced alumni relations through a Town Hall with racialized alumni, regular meetings with two different racialized alumni groups, and an alumni survey to gain insights into individual program and lived experiences to ultimately inform and improve program offerings. Currently, the CFC is preparing to hire an alumni relations staff member, and is in the process of enhancing its Board of Directors, staff, mentors and guests, so that they better reflect the diversity of Canada and the world. For more information on CFC’s offerings and impact over the past year, please see the organization’s 2021/2022 annual report here.

In the year ahead as part of its new strategic plan, the CFC will continue to increase its focus on and commitment to DEIA efforts, beginning with the development and launch of an organization-wide DEIA strategic plan. This will include implementing a budget for DEIA training and initiatives; forging new partnerships to bring more Black, Indigenous, racialized and underrepresented talent to all departments and programs; increasing transparency surrounding program selections and processes; increasing free public programming; continued annual Town Halls with alumni; and reporting annually on DEIA progress, among other initiatives. Additional updates and announcements will be shared in the coming months. For more information on CFC’s 2022-2024 organizational strategic plan and blueprint, click here.

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About the CFC
The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is a charitable cultural organization that drives the future of Canadian storytelling. Our intensive, hands-on programs in film, television, and entertainment technologies empower, shape and advance opportunities for Canadian creators and entrepreneurs working in screen-based industries. Learn more at cfccreates.com.

@cfccreates

Media Relations
Cory Angeletti-Szasz
Director, Marketing & Communications, CFC
647.273.2795
cangeletti@cfccreates.com

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