About
The E20 Program is Reelworld’s initiative to connect some of Canada’s most talented emerging BIPOC talent with industry executives and professionals within the Canadian entertainment industry. E20s are given the opportunity to network, learn, and pitch their projects to industry decision makers.
We look for 20 emerging content creators and filmmakers with projects in the pre-development or development phase, that have potential to inspire and entertain. Whether your project is a documentary, dramatic feature, web series, or comedy, we are looking for stories that explore important themes and issues in ways that entertain, spark conversation, and expand minds.
After the program has concluded, E20 participants are eligible to apply for up to $150,000 from Telefilm’s Talent to Watch program to make their first feature film.
“I am eternally grateful to Reelworld Film Festival for its support and faith in me, as a first-generation Tamil filmmaker. I've been working in the screen industries for just over 10 years now and it is only with Reelworld's nomination through the E-20 Program, that I was in the position to receive funding for my first feature drama This Place, through Telefilm Canada's Talent to Watch Program. For artists like me, who did not go to film school or follow a "traditional" path, Reelworld is a space that creates direct access for marginalized and often-excluded filmmakers to realize their dreams. I entered the program with the hopes that I could work towards making my dream of bringing this project to fruition. Through the mentorship I received, I submitted the project for consideration, which was then championed by the Reelworld team, resulting in our success in receiving funding to finally make the film. Now in post-production, I am realizing my dream as a direct result of the platform the festival provides for Black, Indigenous, and other filmmakers of colour. At a time where filmmakers like myself continue to create on the margins, Reelworld helps to centre our stories, by celebrating and supporting our work. This is precisely why Reelworld is so crucial to our communities, helping us navigate the screen industries, as we continue to learn and grow forward. I am ever grateful to Reelworld for working with me to ensure that I can continue onward, practicing my craft and creating new stories for the screen.”
Program Benefits
2020 Dates
09
March
01
June
Applications Open
Submissions Closed
Deadline to submit your application to the E20 Program
Pitch + Marketing Workshops and Prep Sessions
(Must attend in person in Toronto)
Access to Funding
E20 Alumi qualify to apply to Telefilm’s Talent to Watch Program which offers up to $125,000 towards the production of your web series or feature film project.
Skills Training
The E20 program provides 5 workshop days focused on preparing a compelling pitch, packaging a project, finding partners, marketing training, and other valuable industry insights.
Pitching Opportunities
E20 participants are given the opportunity to meet, and pitch their projects at personal, one-on-one meetings with executive producers, directors, broadcasters, funders, agents, distributors, and union reps.
Networking
The E20 networking reception during the Reelworld Film Festival gives participants the opportunity to network with key industry stakeholders including broadcasters, distributors, festival executives, journalists, social media experts and funders.
Nayani Thiyagarjah
Filmmaker
Pitch + Marketing Workshops and Prep Sessions
(Must attend in person in Toronto)
Participants Announcement
Selection of E20 participants announced
Face2Face Mentorship Sessions
(One day between the dates - specific date TBA - must attend in person in Toronto)
Industry Mixer & Cocktail Reception
(One day between these dates - specific date TBA)
Sept
Early
Oct
Applicants must be able to participate in all events which will take place in Toronto. Some experience in the industry is preferred. We are on the lookout for BIPOC artist applicants from a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives which are underrepresented in today's media.
14-22
Oct
Oct
14-22
Sept
Late
01
