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ALFF Accelerator 2025, Emerging creator development. Call for applications

December 12, 2024

Available Light: ALFF Accelerator: Jan 24 to Feb 11, 2025

The ALFF Accelerator is a specialized mentorship program for up to eight emerging independent filmmakers: writers, directors and/or producers. The goal of the program is to foster up-and-coming Yukon filmmakers by providing real-world skill development for the production of documentary and narrative fiction projects. ALFF Accelerator 2025 is generously sponsored by Warner Brothers Discovery Access Canada.

Program sessions will focus primarily on imparting knowledge and skills applicable to longer form films such as one-hour TV programs and feature length projects, however the skills and learning will be relevant to film and media projects of any length: short films, web series and television (one-off and episodic series). On January 25 and 26, 8 selected filmmakers will participate in closed Lab sessions leading up to the 2025 Available Light Film Festival and ALFF Industry Forum. Participants will hear from a variety of filmmakers about key industry and creative topics and participate in hands-on workshops in a small group setting. Participants will benefit from tailored instruction. Presenters include visiting and Yukon filmmakers and creators. The program coordinator is Braden Brickner.

While participating in the ALFF Accelerator, participants will be able to attend all ALFF Industry sessions and networking events, as well as ALFF screenings, during the week of February 7-16. The Accelerator's content will complement other sessions at ALFF Industry, providing participants with a broad and thorough understanding of today's media landscape, with a focus on independent production. Having gone through the program, participants will be well positioned to maximize their time at ALFF Industry, having the knowledge and confidence to ask questions during sessions and to approach industry representatives outside of sessions. To encourage interaction with our industry guests, participants will also be encouraged to participate in the ALFF pitch event, One-on-One meetings and other ALFF networking events.

Key Dates:

January  3 – Application Deadline (5:00pm MT)

January 8 – Selected applicants notified

January 25 to 26 – Accelerator sessions

February 7 – February 11 - ALFF Industry Forum

February 7 – February 16 - Available Light Film Festival

February 17 to February 21 – Follow up consultations with each participant

 

Application and Eligibility 

Applicants to the ALFF Accelerator will apply with their CV, a short statement outlining their professional goals, and a one-page pitch for a project they are currently working on. Projects may be in any phase of production (conception, development, production, or post-production). To be eligible to apply, applicants will need to have completed at minimum one short film on their own or through an intensive workshop at a film and media production organization such as Yukon Film Society, KIAC, National Screen Institute or the ImagineNative Youth video-making workshop. YFS will provide travel assistance and accommodation to participants travelling from a Yukon community outside of Whitehorse. Selection process for ALFF Accelerator will prioritize under-represented applicants: BIPOC, disabled, woman-identified and remote community residents. Any Inquiries please contact Braden Brickner at ald@yukonfilmsociety.com

Applicants must:

  • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada legally entitled to work.
  • reside in the Yukon.
  • be a production member of YFS ($50).
  • be able to attend the Available Light Film Festival in person, including key dates , January 25 to 26 and February 7 to 11.

Benefits

One ALFF Industry Pass, with access to all ALFF Industry events including Forum sessions, one-on-one meetings, workshops, and networking events

Private post-festival consultation (up to 1.5 hours) for participants to further their professional development, career planning, and skill development

Specialized ALFF Accelerator sessions on fundamentals of film & media production including: storytelling, funding, distribution, and independent production

Travel support to and accommodation while in Whitehorse

50% discount on Yukon Film Society production equipment until December 31, 2025 for use on one project.

 

Applying

If successful, the participant must pay a $100 fee. Please contact us if this is a financial barrier as we can accommodate discounts to at-risk and underrepresented individuals.

Applicants will be notified of the jury’s decision by January 10. Applicants may be asked to provide references. A jury composed of one ALFF representative and one Yukon industry representative will review all submitted applications.

Applications are now open, with a final deadline of January 6, 2025. Please read ALL guidelines before submitting.

Fill out the application form here.

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