OTTAWA, ON | January 10, 2022
The Royal Canadian Geographical Society has championed exploration since its inception more than 90 years ago. In 2021, its production arm Canadian Geographic Films debuted its first feature documentary, Returning Home, directed by Secwépemc filmmaker Sean Stiller. This year, we continue our journey of discovery — in the world of film. With the generous support of Mountain Equipment Company (MEC), the RCGS is pleased to announce its new Exploration Film Grant Program.
The first creative grant delivered in the Society’s recent history, the Exploration Film Grant aims to support Canadian filmmakers with emerging visions that inform, inspire, capture or reveal a personal journey related to connecting with Canada’s majestic landscapes. “Through this grant program, we will provide a launch pad for emerging filmmakers who are rethinking how we tell stories about Canada and the greater world,” says John Geiger, Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Geographic and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
Two different grant types will be available: the Exploration Feature and the Exploration Short. The Exploration Feature will be given to support the creation of a documentary film during an expedition. The Exploration Short is a post-production grant which will offer funding for shorter films that entered post-production in the latter half of 2021. The grant program is open to submissions from independent filmmakers, production companies or groups.
“MEC and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) share a history of supporting Canadian explorers. We’re excited to support this grant, which celebrates Canada’s community of outdoor explorers and filmmakers, providing them with the space to share their diverse stories of adventure and exploration,” says Caitlin Brown, Community Manager for MEC. “The Exploration Film Grant is an example of how, together with the RCGS, we can bring light to important issues through the lens of film.”
Through its award-winning publication, Canadian Geographic, and the Society’s well-established grant programs, we have celebrated and discovered the diverse stories and histories of Canada’s peoples, places and cultures. This collaboration between the RCGS and MEC will encourage the next generation of explorers to share their stories from the field: stories of adventure and scientific discovery, diversity and inclusion, truth and reconciliation.
Grant applications are currently open and will be accepted until February 25, 2022 at 5 p.m. ET.
