The New Wave Collective is a filmmaker grant and mentorship program designed to support and elevate Canadian voices in feature filmmaking.

Presented by the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival, the New Wave Collective provides selected filmmakers with resources, mentorship, and the platform to develop and produce original feature-length works.

This grant is for the creation of true micro budget features of any genre.
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WHAT SELECTED FILMMAKERS RECEIVE:

$10,000 Cash
Grant recipients will receive $10,000 cash.

$10,000 In-Kind Camera Gear
Provided by Keslow Camera and Sunbelt Rentals.

Mentorship
From pre-production to post, mentorship and guidance is provided both in-person and virtually to recipients. This year's mentors include:

- Patrick Brice -
Script advice from the writer and director of Creep.

- Mark Duplass -
Mentorship from a true independent film legend.

- Graham Fortin -
Post-production support provided by the co-editor of Longlegs.

Distributor Meetings
A first look guarantee by Canadian distributor Game Theory Films.
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Open to both first-time feature filmmakers and those with feature films already. Through financial support, industry guidance, and access to exhibition opportunities, the New Wave Collective empowers participants to push creative boundaries and create true micro budget feature films.

The program champions bold storytelling and underrepresented perspectives, creating a space where a New Wave of talent can contribute to the future of Canadian cinema.

The initiative culminates in the special presentation of completed feature films at CIFF. The New Wave Collective offers participants meaningful exposure and a pathway into the national and international film landscape.
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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please ensure you review the eligibility criteria prior to submitting. All submissions are non-refundable.

Required Materials:

1. Feature Film Script
(min 60 pages, max 100 pages)

2. One PDF with the following materials:
a. Project Logline (max. 50 words) & Synopsis (max. 300 words)
b. Filmmaker Resume
(include filmography + a bio that's 200 words max)
c. Top Sheet Budget
(one page budget break down of expenses)

3. Project Pitch Video
(3 minutes max. Tells us about yourself + the film)

4. Example Work
(one example of a previous short or feature you directed)
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IMPORTANT SUBMISSION DETAILS
Please review the checklist below + make sure you meet all criteria.

1. ELIGIBILITY
Please be sure you meet the eligibility requirements + you agree to provide all the required submission materials. See below for all eligibility requirements.

2. PROJECT FILE
Please ensure you have created a new video project under the “My Projects” section of your FilmFreeway profile for this specific application.

3. VIDEO MATERIALS
Please upload the following materials listed below to your video project submission.

1 x Pitch Video (3 minutes max)
The video should tell us: what your film is about, who you are and why you want to make a micro budget feature film.

Note: Please upload your pitch video to the “Add an Online Screener” section of your FilmFreeway Project page. Your video can be recorded on a cell phone or laptop.

1 x Example Work
Share an example of your work . Your example work must be a narrative short or feature project that you directed. (Writing it is optional).

Note: Please upload your example work in the “Add a Trailer” section of your FilmFreeway project page.

4. WRITTEN MATERIALS
Please ensure the following supporting documents are added as two PDFs to the “Files & Attachments” section on your FilmFreeway page:

1 x PDF Including:
a. Project Logline (max. 50 words) & Synopsis (max. 300 words)
b. Filmmaker Resume
(include filmography + a bio that's 200 words max)
c. Top Sheet Budget
(one page budget break down of expenses)

1 x Feature Film Script
(min 60 pages, max 100 pages) Can be a first or final draft.
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TIMELINES & ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Applications will be assessed predominantly on three criteria:

1) Story
Does your story take us on a journey? Is there a clear and original voice? Would the film impact an audience in an authentic and genuine way?

2) Feasibility
Can this feature film be made on a true micro budget? (Think minimal locations and actors). If something seems difficult to achieve, explain how you will do it in your video.

3) Past Work
What does your past directing work look like? What have you and your team accomplished in the past?

Important Dates:

August 23rd 2026 = Submissions Close
September 7th 2026 = Finalist Announcement
October 21-25th 2026 = Festival + Winners Announced
November - August 2027 = Mentorship + Film Creation
September 1st 2027 = Final Film Delivery
TBA October 2027 = Exhibition

There will be 5 finalists announced as part of the "first wave" on September 7th. These finalists will receive festival passes and accommodation for 3 nights to the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival October 24-26th 2026. Finalists must cover their own travel costs and expenses.

At the festival each finalist will have a final interview in-person with our judges. Finalists may also feature as part of an industry roundtable. There will be the opportunity for networking and industry meetings.

The winners will be announced during our closing award ceremony.

Winning films will receive mentorship and assistance the following ten months. Both virtual and in-person mentor meetings will be scheduled in advanced.

Final feature films must be delivered no later than September 1st 2027.

Films will have a presentation at the 11th edition of the Canadian Screen Award qualifying Chilliwack Independent Film Festival.
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Any Questions?
Email us at info@ciff.ca

Awards & Prizes

A minimum of two New Wave Collective feature film grants will be awarded for our first edition.

- General Filmmaker Grant -
This grant is open to all Canadian filmmakers looking to create a micro budget feature film within the next year.

- Fraser Valley Grant -
This grant is for filmmakers from or residing in Chilliwack. A local Fraser Valley filmmaker not from Chilliwack can apply to the grant if they shoot more than 70% of their film in Chilliwack itself. Note: There may be a special case by case basis for filmmakers that are not from Chilliwack or the Fraser Valley, but intend to shoot their film in Chilliwack.

All those that become part of the New Wave Collective are awarded:

$10,000 Cash
Grant recipients will receive $10,000 Canadian dollars.

$10,000 In-Kind Camera Gear
Provided by Keslow Camera and Sunbelt Rentals.
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The film or films that are selected as part of the New Wave Collective General Filmmaker grant will receive the following mentorship:

Patrick Brice
A one hour in-person meeting with Patrick Brice (director of Creep) at the 10th edition of the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival this October.

Mark Duplass
A one hour virtual zoom with Mark Duplass to discuss independent filmmaking and advice. Note: Must be flexible to adhere to Mark's schedule. Likely to take place early 2027.

Graham Fortin
A one hour virtual zoom with the editor of Longlegs to discuss the first cut of your film and provide advice.

Distributor Meetings
A number of virtual calls with Canadian distributor Game Theory Films at various stages of the process. Game Theory will also watch your final film as part of a first look for potential distribution.
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Films selected through the Fraser Valley Grant will receive local mentorship and a first look deal with Game Theory Films.

Please Note: Films in the Fraser Valley Grant category will will not receive mentorship from Mark Duplass or Patrick Brice.

Rules & Terms

RULES & ELIGIBILITY
Please read the rules and eligibility carefully. Submissions are non-refundable.
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APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
The first edition of the New Wave Collective is open to both first time feature filmmakers and those that have completed features already. This may be subject to change for future editions. The New Wave Collective is for Canadian filmmakers only.

Key positions of the film include director, writers and producers. Applicants in these key positions must meet the following requirements:

○ Applicants must be either Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents.
○ Applicants must be at least 19-years of age at the time of submission.
○ Applicants must have directed a short film previously.
○ Applicants may or may not have made a feature film already.
○ Applicants must have a minimum of a first draft script complete for a micro budget feature film.
○ Applications must be completed by the applicant themselves and not by third parties (e.g. assistants, co-workers, grant writers, agents).
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FEATURE FILM REQUIREMENTS
Films created as part of the New Wave Collective are true micro budget features. By submitting you agree that the feature film created in this program will adhere to the below requirements:

○ Final films must be completed by September 1st 2027.
○ Final films must have a runtime between 70 to 90 minutes long.
○ Final films must be screened at the 11th edition of the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival in October/November 2027. (Director must be present for the Q &A).
○ Final films must not have any excessive sexual content or graphic violence.

If your final films differ drastically from what was submitted, it is within our rights to remove you from the New Wave Collective. Filmmakers would need to refund CIFF any cash or in-kind gear used.
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MENTORSHIP/ TIMELINE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants agree to the following mentor and timeline requirements:

○ Applicants agree to be flexible and work within the schedules of our mentors. (Failure to do so may mean no mentorship from Mark Duplass or Patrick Brice).
○ Applicants agree to a mentorship planning weekend before Principal Photography. This may or may not be in-person. This includes a minimum 6 hours of meetings between stakeholders.
○ Successful applicants agree to deliver their final films by September 1st 2027. (If applicants are unable to complete their film by this deadline, they agree to refund any cash or in-kind gear used in their entirety).
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AI & COPYRIGHT REQUIREMENTS
Applicants agree to the following when submitting and taking part in the New Wave Collective:

○ No generative AI will be used at any point in the final feature film.
○ No copyright materials will be used in the final feature film.
○ Applicants will ensure they have all permissions to any music, performances or visuals in their films.
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OWNERSHIP
Applicants retain full ownership of their final feature films. Applicants agree to the following:

○ Applicants will retain full ownership of their own films.
○ Applicants agree to include any producer and executive producer credits we provide in their final feature film indefinitely.
○ Applicants agree to display any credits and logos we provide in their final feature film indefinitely.
○ Applicants agree to display the New Wave Collective logo/branding at the start and end of their final feature films indefinitely.
○ Applicants must have a Canadian bank account.
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DELIVERABLES, BUDGETS + SALES
Applicants agree to the following:

○ Applicants agree to deliver a final completed budget upon completion of their films. This must show all expenses for the film.
○ The New Wave Collective will cover the creation of one DCP for exhibition at festivals including the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival.
○ Applicants agree that they will be responsible for any future festival costs or marketing for their films.
○ If a feature film in the New Wave Collective makes any profit through sales, theatrical release, future distribution or other means, applicants agree that 10% of all net profits will be paid to the Chilliwack Film Society up to a maximum of $10,000 CAD. (This will be used solely to provide another New Wave Collective Filmmaker Grant).
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PITCH SESSIONS
If you have a feature film with a larger budget, you can apply to our Pitch Sessions designed around Telefilm's Talent To Watch program. Apply directly to the program found at www.filmfreeway.com/pitchsessions
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TERMS & CONDITIONS
By submitting to the New Wave Collective, you confirm that all information provided is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge.

The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival and New Wave Collective is not responsible for any claims, damages, expenses, or losses arising from the information submitted, including any errors or omissions in published materials.

The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. Everyone has the right to fair and equitable treatment. Violence, harassment, discrimination, or mistreatment of any kind — whether verbal, physical, sexual, or otherwise — toward staff, volunteers, delegates, audience members, or attendees will not be tolerated at any CIFF festival, conference, or event.

By submitting your application, you agree to abide by these Terms & Conditions and all of our Eligibility Rules.