The MENA Canada Filmmaking Grant is back for its fifth year in a row. This one-of-a-kind funding stream provides a single $5,000 initial or “top-up” fund for new and emerging MENA/SWANA-identifying filmmakers or teams in Canada toward a short film to be presented at MENA!

The winning production will have a full year to finalize its film in time for the 2027 MENA Film Festival. Additionally, the winning team will be invited as special guests to the 2026 MENA Film Festival to take part in programming and networking opportunities to set them off on their filmmaking journey, leading to their premiere at #MENA2027!

Rules & Guidelines

• To be eligible, the project lead who will apply on behalf of the project must identify as part of the MENA/SWANA community or region and reside in Canada. They should also occupy a key role in the team (producer/director/writer).
• The applicant must simply be based in Canada. However, the proposed production itself doesn't have to be within Canada.
• Projects in a language other than English must have translation and subtitling costs as part of their proposed budget. We ask, however, that grant applications be in English.
• All submissions by established and emerging artists are welcome and will be guaranteed reading by the grant team before referral to the external jury board; films by first-time and early-career artists will be given particular consideration. If awarded, these projects may be paired with a project facilitator or mentor to ensure timely completion of the proposed film if deemed necessary.
• The $5,000 fund may be part of a larger production budget.
• Productions may already be underway, or in the pre-production phase, with a projected shooting start date of no later than mid-February 2026. But the final delivery (final cut) must be by October 1, 2026, with a guaranteed premiere at the MENA Film Festival the following January (see timeline below).
‍

All genres are welcome, and experimental and original portrayals of the MENA/SWANA identity and narratives are encouraged.

For any inquiries about the guidelines, eligibility, or timeline of the grant, feel free to email info@menafilmfestival.com

‍

Schedule & Timeline

Applications

• August 15 – Applications Open
• September 15 (23:59 PT) – Applications Close
• September 17 – October 15 (subject to change depending on volume of applicants) – Interviews with shortlisted teams scheduled
• November 15 – Winning Team Announced

‍

Pre-Production

• November 15 - December 1 – Briefing with the winning team (latest); First round of deliverables: signed grant contract and distribution of funds
• December 15 – Second round of deliverables: locked budget, script, and shooting schedule (feedback provided as necessary

‍

2026 MENA Film Festival

• January 15 – The winning applicant team will be invited as guests to the MENA Film Festival in Vancouver to access industry development workshops, programming, and networking!

‍

Production, Delivery and Premiere

• Mid-February, 2026 – Shooting starts (latest)
• April 1 – Third round of deliverables: Rough Cut
• April 15 - May 1 – Meetings and feedback provided as necessary
• May 15 – Fourth round of deliverables: Fine Cut
• August 1 – Fifth round of deliverables: Finished Trailer, Teasers, Stills
• October 1 – Final delivery of film: Final Cut

‍

2027 MENA Film Festival

• January 2027 – Premiere at the 2027 MENA Film Festival in Vancouver