The Norman Jewison Film Program
Applications Open
Overview
What is it?
The Norman Jewison Film Program is a full-time, 5 ½ month professional accelerated program for emerging to mid-level Canadian filmmakers. It is designed to improve narrative storytelling and grow the residents’ body of work, creative community and career potential. It offers four distinct labs for directors, producers, writers and editors, each with adapted components to help meet the needs of residents annually.
This is the CFC’s longest-running and signature program. In 2021, it was renamed to honour award-winning and internationally acclaimed filmmaker and CFC founder Norman Jewison.
Program Contact
For questions and clarifications, please contact
[email protected]
Application Deadline
January 30, 2025
Duration
5½ months
Tuition
$10,000 (covered by scholarship)
Program Structure
The program includes four distinct labs: the Directors’ Lab, the Writers’ Lab, the Producers’ Lab and the Editors’ Lab.
Start Date: 14/07/2025
End Date: 12/12/2025
Application Deadline: January 30, 2025
Applications OpenDirectors' Lab
Designed for emerging/mid-level directors, this lab helps amplify their voice and perspective, articulate their artistic vision and process, expand their business savvy, and strengthen their story and collaboration skills through all stages of the script-to-screen process.
The result: An expanded narrative reel, a professionally produced festival ready short film, a primary project in development, new relationships, enhanced technical and business skills, and some clear next steps for career advancement.
Producers' Lab
Designed for emerging/mid-level producers, this lab helps expands their working knowledge of the business of producing and their understanding of the marketplace, offers insights on how to develop and package a range of creative properties, and strengthens their story and collaboration skills through all stages of the script-to-screen process.
The result: An expanded project slate which reflects their strategic vision, a fully packaged project to pitch, a professionally produced festival ready short film borne from their director peers, new relationships, enhanced creative and business skills, and some clear next steps for career advancement.
Writers' Lab
Designed for emerging/mid-level writers, this lab helps amplify their voice and perspective, articulate their artistic vision and process, expand their business savvy, and strengthen their story and collaboration skills through all stages of the script-to-screen process.
The result: An expanded project slate which reflects their creative vision, up to two developed and packaged projects to pitch, a professionally produced proof of concept for one of these, new relationships, enhanced creative and business skills, and some clear next steps for career advancement.
Editors' Lab
Designed for emerging/mid-level editors, this lab helps elevate their artistic and technical skills, articulate their creative voice and process, expand their business savvy, and strengthen their story and collaboration skills through all stages of the script-to-screen process.
The result: An expanded reel of professionally produced work including a festival ready short film, experience cutting a variety of narrative content, enhanced technical and business skills, new relationships, and some clear next steps for career advancement.
Eligibility
This program is designed for emerging/mid-level filmmakers who are self-driven, committed and ready to explore new approaches and creative partnerships.
Please refer to specific eligibility requirements for each Lab.
Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition: $10,000 (covered by scholarship)
Tuition is covered by a full scholarship thanks to the generosity of CFC donors. Monthly bursaries while in program and a relocation bursary are also provided. Please visit Financial Assistance for more information.
There is a $100 CAD application fee via PayPal for all applications to The Norman Jewison Film Program.
Please note that the CFC is not an OSAP-accredited institution.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
The CFC is committed to providing accessible practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process, or have any questions regarding appropriate accommodations, please contact Deborah Fallows, Executive Lead, People & Culture, at: [email protected].
Program Alumni
Zarrar Kahn
Film Program, 2021
Anar Ali
Film Program (Writers Lab), 2014
Anna Catley
Film Program, 2022
Temilola Adebayo
Film Program, 2021
Lead partners
Program Partners
additional support by
Reel Medics in Motion
Total Two Way
BFL Canada Risk and Insurance Services
Chubb Insurance of Canada