Indigenous Digital Accelerator Launches Third Edition of FILMBA Program at Capilano University
Here’s a professional development program building the next generation of Indigenous film producers: the Indigenous Digital Accelerator announced today the launch of its third edition of the Filmmakers in Indigenous Leadership & Management Business Affairs (FILMBA) program at Capilano University, beginning May 30, 2026. More than twenty Indigenous creatives have been selected this year from across Canada to participate in the 11-week online program focused on producers looking to produce their first feature-length project. Previous editions have launched careers including Tim Riedel, whose debut feature Ancestral Beasts traveled to Cannes and Berlin and premieres at Fantasia International Film Festival this summer.
The Program
FILMBA addresses a specific gap in Indigenous filmmaking infrastructure.
The 11-week professional development program runs online, welcoming participants from all across Canada without requiring relocation to urban centers. This year’s focus targets producers looking to produce their first feature-length project, taking participants through the steps of pre-production, production, and distribution.
Topics cover funding models, contract negotiation, insurance, budgeting, and financing. The program also delves into the relationship-building side of producing including networking, pitching, and crew care. Industry mentorship runs alongside workshop classes, providing participants with one-on-one opportunities to expand their projects in development with instructors and industry professionals.
There is no cost for participants, with the program sponsored by the Indigenous Screen Office and TD Ready.
The Need
Program creator Doreen Manuel, Director of the Bosa Centre for Film & Animation and Inclusive Community Projects, identified a structural gap in Indigenous filmmaking.
“There are so many Indigenous stories waiting to be told on the screen and while there are producers that can bring these stories to life, we need specifically Indigenous producers leading this content to ensure that stories stay authentic and that writers, directors, and filmmakers know there are producers to work with who culturally understand their stories,” Manuel explains.
Her 20 years in the film and television industry, including 13 years as Program Coordinator and instructor of the Indigenous Digital Filmmaking Program at Capilano University, revealed that many Indigenous filmmakers completing training tend to work as writers and directors, leaving a gap in getting work developed with Indigenous teams who understand the heart of the story.
The Accessibility
FILMBA specifically addresses geographic barriers that prevent Indigenous creatives from accessing training.
“Many Indigenous creatives interested in the film and television industry have a difficult time leaving their communities to live in cities far from home in order to complete training,” Manuel notes. “With FILMBA we are working to fix that by offering training sessions both online and within Indigenous communities.”
The online format allows this year’s 23 participants to join from locations spanning Cypress County, Alberta, to Gatineau, Quebec, from Blind River, Ontario, to Port Alberni, British Columbia, without uprooting from their communities.
The Alumni Success
Two successful editions in 2022 and 2024 have demonstrated FILMBA’s impact.
Tim Riedel‘s debut feature film Ancestral Beasts traveled to Cannes and Berlin and premieres at Fantasia International Film Festival this summer, representing the festival circuit success the program can launch.
Eva Thomas produced, co-wrote, and directed Nika & Madison.
April Johnson‘s live-action TELUS independent kids series Kokum & Dot, which features Cree language, was recently renewed for a second season ahead of its broadcast debut on June 15.
The variety of alumni projects demonstrates FILMBA produces working professionals across formats and platforms.
The 2026 Cohort
This year’s selected participants represent Indigenous nations from across Canada:
Alberta: Robert Anderson (Canadian/Métis), Jonelle Belcourt (Cree), Tito Gomez (Chippewa-Cree & Tohono O’odham), Sean McQuillan (Cree/Métis)
British Columbia: Corben Bowen (Haisla), Erynne Gilpin (Métis), Rosie Johnnie-Mills (Skidegate Haida & Xinipsen Cowichan), Renae Morriseau (Cree/Anishinaabe-Saulteaux), Joshua Settee-Brown (Cree), Shelby Strangling Wolf (Blackfoot/Blood Tribe), Quanah Style (Cree), Jerome Turner (Gitxsan/Swedish), Tanner Zurkoski (Cree/Métis)
Ontario: Ryan Cunningham (Cree/Métis), Mark Herbrand (Ojibwe), Dale Maang (Ojibwe), Tyler J. Sloane (Anishinaabe/Chinese/European), Brandan Wilson (Anishinaabe)
Saskatchewan: Bee Bird (Cree), Julianna Maggrah (Cree)
Quebec: Tekanenhorens Brass (Mohawk), Ipeelie Ootoova (Inuk)
Additional: Tyrel Lougheed (Sto:Lo) from Edmonton, AB
The Infrastructure
FILMBA runs through the Indigenous Digital Accelerator at Capilano University in North Vancouver.
The Accelerator was created to assist Indigenous entrepreneurs and support the development of Indigenous professionals in the tech and digital creative sectors. The university infrastructure provides institutional support while the online format extends reach across the country.
The Indigenous Screen Office and TD Ready sponsorship removes financial barriers, ensuring selected participants can focus on professional development without cost concerns.
Who Benefits
Indigenous creatives with producing ambitions: The program specifically targets those looking to produce their first feature-length project.
Writers and directors seeking Indigenous producers: The program builds the producer pool that can culturally understand Indigenous stories.
The broader Indigenous filmmaking ecosystem: Each trained producer creates capacity for additional Indigenous-led projects.
Audiences seeking authentic Indigenous storytelling: Producers who understand the heart of the story ensure authenticity reaches screens.
May 30 Begins the Third Edition
The third edition of FILMBA launches May 30, 2026, at Capilano University through the Indigenous Digital Accelerator.
23 Indigenous producers from across Canada. 11 weeks of professional development. Focus on first feature-length projects. No cost to participants.
From Cannes and Berlin to Fantasia International Film Festival. From renewed kids series to award-winning features. FILMBA alumni are telling Indigenous stories with Indigenous producers leading the way.
May 30. The next generation begins.
