WFF26 Indigenous Story Lab Application Form

Indigenous Story Lab 2026 Application Form

The Whistler Film Festival Indigenous Story Lab (ISL) returns in 2026 with a mentorship-focused program supporting Indigenous filmmakers developing original screen projects. This year's lab will bring together a cohort of up to six Indigenous filmmakers for a focused development experience combining online mentorship, project-specific feedback, and in-person programming during the Whistler Film Festival.
DEADLINE: November 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm PT.

*You MUST be fully available to attend Phase 1 on Zoom - November 16 + 23, 2026 (10am-12pmPT).

*We do not provide feedback on applications, unless accepted into the lab.
Name:

First NameLast Name
E-mail:
Province or Territory:
Project Working Title:
Episodic Genre:
Logline (max 1 sentence):
Short Summary of your project (max 250 words):

0/250
Mailing Address:

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityProvince

Postal Code
Head Shot (upload) - 1 MB (but no smaller than 300 kb)

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Short Filmmaker Bio (250 words or less):

0/250
Personal Statement and Professional Development Goals (200–500words) - Please describe where you are in your creative career and how participating in the Whistler Film Festival Indigenous Story Lab would support your creative and professional development.What skills, knowledge, industry relationships or mentorship would be most valuable to you at this stage of your career? Please identify the key challenges you are currently navigating and what you hope to achieve through the Lab. You may submit a written statement (200–500 words) or a video response of no more than 2–3 minutes.

Acceptable file types: pdf, doc, docx, html, zip, mp3, wma, mpg, avi, mp4, mov
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Phone Number:
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Company:
(if any)
Which pronouns do you use to identify yourself? (optional):

Other
Please provide social media handles (optional):
ex: Instagram: @whisfilmfest
Website (if applicable):
Indigenous Identity Confirmation - Do you identify as an Indigenous person, including First Nations, Métis or Inuit from Canada? This is an eligibility requirement for the Indigenous Story Lab.
Positionality Statement (maximum 250 words) - We recognize that every Indigenous filmmaker has a unique relationship to their ancestry, community, culture and lived experiences. Please share a positionality statement describing your Indigenous ancestry and any other ancestry that is significant to you, as well as your relationship to Indigenous nation, community and culture, including experiences of connection or disconnection, if you wish to share them.This statement helps us better understand the perspectives and experiences applicants bring to the Lab.:

0/250
WFF values fair and just treatment of all community members through the creation of opportunities and the removal of barriers to address historical and current disadvantages for underrepresented and marginalized groups. Please specify if any of the following ALSO apply:
Click all that also apply - (this information is NOT shared)

Other
Creative Connection to Your Project (maximum 150 words)- Why is this project important to you? Please describe your personal, cultural, creative or professional connection to the subject matter and what motivates you to develop this project?:

0/150
How did you hear about this opportunity?
eg. Social media (which platform, email, recommended by a friend etc.)
Are you a member of any of the following organizations?

Other
At what stage is your project currently?

Other
What are the two or three areas in which you would most value mentorship?

Other
Have you previously participated in the Whistler Film Festival Indigenous Filmmaker Fellowship or been a part of another WFF talent program or film in the Festival?

Other
Can you commit to attending both required online sessions and all scheduled in-person Indigenous Story Lab activities during the Whistler Film Festival?

Other
Application Package Checklist

Please combine the following materials into one PDF, in the order listed:
- Project title and logline.
- Project summary (maximum 250 words).
- Short filmmaker biography (maximum 250 words).
- Personal statement (200–500 words), if submitting in written form.
- Creative connection to the project (maximum 150 words).
- Relevant creative materials, such as a treatment, pitch document or script excerpt.
- Upload your completed application package as one PDF file.
Attach your entire Application Package which should include all of the elements on the checklist above.

Please upload only ONE PDF file!
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Terms & Conditions:

TIMELINE:

October 23, 2026	Applications Open
November 2, 2026	Application Deadline — 11:59 p.m. PT
November 16, 2026	Ph I: Online Session 1: Project Development & Mentorship Goals — proposed session (10am-12pm via Zoom)
November 23, 2026	Ph I: Online Session 2: Story, Pitch & WFF Preparation — proposed session (10am-12pm via Zoom)
November 2026	Individual Mentor check-in for festival preparation (online) - Optional
December 2-4, 2026	Phase 2 - Whistler (in person) - 2.5 days of focused workshops
December 2-6, 2026	Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit
December and Jan. 2027	Individual Mentor check-ins for festival follow up and project development (online) - Optional

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IFF25 Application Fee (non refundable)
$52.50 CAD
TERMS & CONDITIONS:

Please read the following carefully and by submitting your application you Agree & Understand these terms.

Selected participants are encouraged to apply for travel funding from their provincial agencies and other funding sources. WFF has access to sponsorship rates and access to guest services for assistance in planning ttravel and accomodations.

Festival and Industry event to take place in Whistler, BC December 2-6, 2026.

WFF is not responsible for any copyright or legal issues pertaining to the project or the applicant.WFF holds no rights to work produced by the applicant during the Lab. However, if selected, the participant grants to the Whistler Film Festival Society the right to utilize materials related to the project for promotional purposes in all mediums, including broadcast, print and internet.

Participation in the Indigenous Story Lab implies an understanding and acceptance of these regulations. WFF reserves the right to rule on cases not foreseen by these regulations. Participants agree to adhere to all WFF policies and Code of Conduct.

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Indigenous Story Lab 2026 Application Form

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