CAPILANO UNIVERSITY
Capilano University welcomes new cohort of filmmakers to Business Affairs program for Indigenous film producers

Capilano University is welcoming a new cohort of students to the university's Filmmakers in Indigenous Leadership & Management Business Affairs (FILMBA) course. The unique, Indigenous-led course aims to equip Indigenous film producers with business management skills to confidently navigate the film industry and succeed at managing the business aspects of running a film production company. Offered through the University's Indigenous Digital Accelerator program, courses start April 20, 2024.

"All filmmakers need to have producing and business affairs skills to get their work produced and distributed," says Doreen Manuel, director of the Bosa Centre for Film and Animation at Capilano University. "This program demystifies the business side of the film industry and instills the confidence that comes through added skills and knowledge."

Running from April to December 2024, this bridge program links the classroom and the film industry. The course is delivered as a series of Saturday/Sunday workshops to accommodate the schedules of film entrepreneurs. The curriculum, delivered entirely online, covers film business essentials including funding models, contract negotiations, financial management, production proposals, intellectual property law and film distribution.

"I see this program as a crucial step in my filmmaking career," said Sarah Kelley, a member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan from Golden Lake, Ontario who currently lives and works on the traditional territory of the Musqueam People in Vancouver. "Rather than relying on others for information, I now have the opportunity to get answers to my questions and gain vital business skills in contract negotiations, budgeting and financing a film, securing tax credits, working with the unions, and negotiating business insurance."

Increasing her skill set, Kelley believes, will empower her to produce independent films with confidence, and to be a trusted partner for film collaborations.

Whereas the course was previously designed to meet the needs of mid-career Indigenous film producers who own an independent film production company, this year the program is targeted at supporting emerging Indigenous filmmakers. Students are encouraged to come to the program with a film project they wish to develop, or to have plans to move from short films to feature films.

Tuition is free for all participants accepted into the program, thanks to generous sponsorship support for FILMBA by program partners Indigenous Screen Office, TD Ready Commitment, and PacifiCan. 

2024 FILMBA program participants: 

Allen Belcourt - Alberta
Kyle Charles - Alberta
Selina Crammond - British Columbia
Sharon Desjarlais - Alberta
Rosie Johnnie-Mills - British Columbia
Sarah Kelley - British Columbia
Bruce Miller - Alberta
Donna Munro - Manitoba
Fawnda Neckoway - Manitoba
Mike Nichol - British Columbia
Laurie Oulette - Alberta    
Ntawnis Piapot - Saskatchewan
Jenna Poorman - British Columbia
Tanis Redcrow - Alberta
Tim Riedel - Ontario
Shayla Stonechild - Alberta
Linda St. Pierre - British Columbia
Nayden Taylor - Alberta
Jerome Turner - British Columbia
Cole Vandale - British Columbia
Jade Willoughby - Ontario