New documentary opportunities for Canadian filmmakers
CBC announced it will be increasing its investment in documentary storytelling by $7 million.
The increase in funding will include “a range of documentary formats,” including feature-length films.
“By increasing our investment, we are creating more opportunities for filmmakers at every stage of their careers and ensuring their remarkable stories reach even larger audiences,” said Jennifer Dettman, CBC Unscripted Content executive director.
CBC says it will also launch a free ad-supported streaming channel dedicated to documentary programming.
“This funding will create more opportunities for a diverse range of storytellers at all levels, from emerging digital creators to established filmmakers, by providing dedicated pathways and new initiatives designed to support the next generation of talent,” said CBC in a media release.
More information is expected later in June at the Banff World Media Festival.
Telus Storyhive announces new local producers
Telus Storyhive announced 59 projects for its upcoming video podcast series, including five local producers.
Grande Prairie’s Demar Anderson will be bringing back LetsChat GP – From The Eyes of An Immigrant for a second season.
Dawson Creek’s Aleisha Hendry will be starting a video podcast called Lit in the North, and Johanna Martens’ The Oddball Podcast will return with a second season.
Fort St. John’s Jared Braun will be working on the Shining Brighter Podcast, and Ovvian Hill will be working on the second season of Life, Love and Lumpia with Ovvian Hill.
The new podcast series is expected to debut in 2027.
Each selected project will receive $10,000 in production funding, training from Storyhive, and distribution on TELUS Optik TV, Stream+, and STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel.
Orange Skies debuts in GP
The Peace Region Girls Choir debuted their new choral work, Orange Skies, from composer Esther Ling on May 30.
The song Orange Skies was commissioned by the choir.
“This song was inspired by the recent wildfires we’ve been experiencing as a nation,” said Ling, noting specifically the Jasper wildfires in 2023.
“I thought to myself how terrifying it must have been for young children to be woken up in the night, having to evacuate their home.”
Peace Region Girls Choir director Rosanne Mayer says the song challenged the singers “to explore new vocal colours while helping them connect deeply to the human impact of wildfire disasters.
“It’s been a meaningful reminder that choral music not only builds musicianship, but also empathy in these young voices.”
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