RIFFA Academy is the educational arm of the Regina International Film Festival and Awards Foundation. Our mission is to carve out spaces for emerging and underrepresented voices, equipping them with professional industry educational opportunities. In 2024, RIFFA offered three programs: Emerging Filmmakers Fellowship, Screenwriters Fellowship and LOOK: A Mental Health/Film Initiative.
CURRENT OFFERING: Emerging Screenwriters Fellowship
This fellowship is designed to provide emerging screenwriters with the tools and support needed to bring their creative vision to life. Our commitment is to identify and empower three writers each year who have started a feature-length film screenplay.
Through personalized editorial support, mentorship, and access to industry experts, our selected writers will be able to elevate their work to the next level.
As part of the program, writers will participate in a series of virtual workshops and networking opportunities with leading writers, producers, and key industry figures. These events are specifically designed to provide our writers with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to become commission-winning script creators.
At the end of the six-month process, our writers will have a finished script ready to pitch to a group of active film producers and independent production companies at the prestigious Regina International Film Festival and Awards in August of 2025.
Our focus is on empowering emerging writers and providing them with the necessary support to succeed in a competitive industry. We are committed to helping our writers achieve their goals and realize their potential. With the RIFFA Emerging Screenwriters Fellowship, our writers can take their first steps towards creating award-winning scripts and making their mark in the world of screenwriting.
The three winning writers will attend a series of four monthly virtual workshops beginning in March of 2025. Winners will also receive all-access passes to RIFFA 2025 which includes master classes, industry sessions, networking events and a live pitch-session.
The package also includes:
-Financial support for travel to attend 2025 RIFFA
-Hotel stay for five days
-A second RIFFA guest pass for gala events
-An individual follow-up session with an industry expert
-A Certificate of Fellowship completion will be awarded at the annual RIFFA Academy Gala