The Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC Creators (CISF) is Canada’s only national funder dedicated to supporting emerging, mid-level and established content creators from BPOC (Black and People of Color) communities, for the development and production of their screen-based projects. As we work to address long-standing inequities in the screen sector, CISF is proud to be a “For Us By Us” organization which is governed and operated by the Black and racialized communities we serve. CISF believes that Black and racialized voices are essential to Canadian culture, and the projection of our values at home and abroad.

“I have received funding from other established bodies, and participated in many other industry programs, but the support, feedback, and interactions were qualitatively different. I trusted that the vision for my project and what I'm trying to achieve as a writer/filmmaker were understood. It mattered to me that it was a BPOC-centred fund, run by BPOC staffers with our concerns front and centre, not marginalized as a "diversity" component.” - Funding recipient

“Now, more urgently than ever, we need stories that challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, and bring people together. I hope to see CISF being funded as a strategic investment to build an inclusive future for all Canadian creators whose work will influence our national voice and positively impact communities across the country." 

- Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer and former Executive Producer, National Film Board (To Kill A Tiger, The Apology)