There is a pronounced lack of opportunities and resources for emerging creators over 40 years of age who are entering or switching career paths in the screen-based industry. In an effort to address this pattern, BIPOC TV+FILM and The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival have created the Nathalie Younglai Award which recognizes an emerging creator in screen based industries (Film, TV, web series, etc). This annual cash award will go to an applicant who states a desire to accelerate and/or change the path of their career. 

Prize: $2,500 CAD

Guidelines

• Must have no more than two Above-the-line credits on a feature or prime time TV series (eg. writer, director, producer)
• Must be over 40 years of age who identifies as Black, Indigenous or Person of Colour
• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Must provide CV including non-industry experience
• Must provide a 1-2 page rationale (letter or intent?) of what your project or proposal(?)* is and how this award will help accelerate and/or change your career path.
  • *Applicants may propose any number of activities such as research, script development, director shadowing, covering rent to take time to write your first pilot, professional development course, union dues, etc. 

Make your case! We want to hear about what you dream of creating, where you hope to go in your career, whether you’re a crew member who wants to level up and gain new skills, an aspiring producer, or are trying to get into a union.  

Applications will be reviewed by a committee of BIPOC TV+Film members and Nathalie Younglai herself! 

Timeline: 

• Open call: Sept 28 
• Applications due: October 24
• Award announced during the Toronto Reel Asian International  Film Festival (November 9 – 20, 2022)