The NFB’S ACIC program returns January 30, 2025

Montreal, Canada - The National Film Board is pleased to announce the return of its Aide au cinéma indépendant du Canada (ACIC) program, which supports French-speaking independent filmmakers across the country. Applications may be submitted to the NFB beginning January 30. Details are available here.

Established by the NFB more than 50 years ago in keeping with its mandate as a public

producer and distributor, the ACIC program supports independent filmmakers through the provision of very high-quality post-production services at low rates. These services are provided at the organization’s headquarters in Montreal, subject to the availability of its facilities, with NFB-produced projects taking priority. ACIC also provides special arrangements for filmmakers who live more than 150 km from headquarters, who can apply for refunds of local post-production expenditures up to a maximum of $7,500 in the case of a short film and $15,000 for a feature-length project. This measure also helps support the economic ecosystems of the regional audiovisual industries.

“This program offers a unique way of supporting francophone independent directors from all over the country,” said Suzanne Guèvremont, the Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the NFB. “Its newly established criteria mean that we guarantee better access to our services for filmmakers from all backgrounds and all regions, including those from linguistic-minority communities. I invite independent filmmakers to submit their projects starting now. I am also pleased to acknowledge the many filmmakers who provided support and constructive contributions: our conversations have helped enhance the ACIC program, to everyone’s satisfaction.”

“Having worked closely with Suzanne Guèvremont and her team, the Sauvons l’ACIC coalition is firmly convinced that the program’s redesign will meet the needs of French-speaking filmmakers across Canada in the years to come,” added Sylvain L’Espérance, an independent filmmaker and member of the Sauvons l’ACIC coalition.

Take advantage of an enhanced program, openness and collaboration with the NFB. Come join us!

FAP: A program for English-speaking independent filmmakers

A similar NFB support program exists for English-speaking independent directors from across the country: the Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP). Full details are available here.