Changing Narratives Fund: $940K allocated to nine projects
Toronto, February 19, 2026 — The Canada Media Fund (CMF) today announced the nine projects selected for funding through the Changing Narratives Fund for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, a $940,000 investment that will help build a more representative and resilient Canadian audiovisual sector.
The 2025–2026 cohort embodies this collective goal through projects that strengthen skills, expand networks, and support career sustainability for creators across the country. The selected initiatives include a workforce development program offering paid job placements for Black film producers and an Indigenous-led virtual production training program addressing gaps in access to immersive media training and equipment, among others.
“This year’s projects demonstrate how targeted investments are at the root of meaningful, long-term change,” said Joy Loewen, the CMF’s Vice President of Industry Development. “By investing in training, mentorship, and leadership pathways rooted in community, the Changing Narratives Fund is helping to lay the groundwork for a more inclusive industry, one where creators from all different backgrounds and lived experiences can seize new opportunities and shape the future of Canada’s storytelling.”
The nine supported projects span five provinces—three in Ontario, three in Quebec, one in Alberta, one in British Columbia, and one in Manitoba—with programming delivered in both official languages (six English-language projects and three French-language projects). Collectively, they demonstrate a strong national and regional reach while responding to structural barriers that continue to limit equitable participation in Canada’s audiovisual sector.
Launched by the Department of Canadian Heritage in 2024–2025, the Changing Narratives Fund was created to address systemic gaps in professional development, mentorship, and leadership pathways for creators from Indigenous, Black, racialized and ethno-religious minorities, Persons with disabilities/Disabled persons, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The CMF administers a $4,456,246 portion of the total $10M made available through the Fund. A first instalment of $2,456,246 was allocated in 2024–2025, and a final disbursement of $940,000 will be announced in 2026–2027.
About the Canada Media Fund
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, develops, finances, and promotes the production of Canadian content and applications for all audiovisual media platforms. The CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment by fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voices, and promoting access to content through public and private sector partnerships. The CMF receives financial contributions from the Government of Canada and Canada’s cable, satellite, and IPTV distributors. Visit our website for more information.
Media Contact
Maxime Ruel
Senior Manager, Communications
[email protected]
