The Indigenous Cinema Alliance (ICA) has unveiled its refreshed 2026 membership network, market strategy, and ninth annual Fellowship cohort, marking a new phase in its global support of Indigenous filmmakers and producers. Representing countries from Canada, Sápmi, Ecuador, Aotearoa, Australia, the USA, and Greenland, the ICA continues to champion Indigenous storytelling while expanding opportunities for creators on the international stage.
2026 Membership Updates
The ICA welcomes the return of the Māoriland Film Festival (Ōtaki, Aotearoa New Zealand) after a six-year absence. A founding member, Māoriland remains a key hub for Māori and global Indigenous storytellers. New to the Alliance is Ngā Aho Whakaari / Māori in Screen, a national organization advocating for Māori practitioners and industry leadership in screen storytelling.
Returning members include:
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival (Canada) – serving as ICA project lead
International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI) (Sápmi/Norway) – expanding its contribution
4th World Media (Turtle Island)
MULLU (Abya Yala)
Winda Film Festival (Australia)
Film.gl (Greenland)
Pacific Islanders in Communications (Hawai‘i)
These organizations collectively represent decades of expertise in Indigenous cinema, programming, co-production, and international market engagement.
2026 Market Strategy & Activities
After a decade of engagement at the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, the ICA will shift its primary 2026 focus to the inaugural TIFF: The Market (10–16 September 2026). This new platform at the Toronto International Film Festival will support film, television, and immersive media creators worldwide. The ICA will continue engaging with EFM for co-production, distribution, and sales pathways while also participating in the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Market for the first time, expanding opportunities for short-form Indigenous projects.
Ninth Fellowship Cohort
The ICA’s Fellowship program continues to nurture emerging and mid-career Indigenous producers. The ninth cohort includes:
Brooke Collard (Ballardong Whadjuk Noongar) – Winda Film Festival
Jacqueline Olivé (Tongan) – 4th World Media
Johannes Vang (Sámi) – ISFI
Katsitsionni Fox (Mohawk Nation) – 4th World Media / Indigenous Screen Office
Libby Hakaraia (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kapu, Ngāti Toa Rangatira) – Māoriland
Marc Fussing Rosbach (Inuk) – Film.gl / Arctic Indigenous Film Fund
Princess Daazhraii Johnson (Neets’aii Gwich’in) – 4th World Media / Arctic Indigenous Film Fund
Sadetło Scott (Tłı̨chǫ Dene) – imagineNATIVE / Arctic Indigenous Film Fund
Sara Beate Eira (Sámi) – ISFI / Arctic Indigenous Film Fund
Fellows will engage with ICA market programs tailored to individual projects, including TIFF, EFM, or Clermont-Ferrand, ensuring a strategic approach to development, co-production, and international exposure.
Partnerships & Support
The ICA continues its collaboration with the Canada Media Fund (CMF), the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO), and Telefilm Canada, strengthening pathways for Indigenous projects in global markets.
David Morrison, ICA Project Lead, emphasizes: “Indigenous storytelling does not wait on the sidelines. By convening at both feature and short-form markets, and by strengthening our network, we are expanding opportunities for Indigenous producers and ensuring that our stories are seen, valued, and traded on equitable terms.”
About the Indigenous Cinema Alliance
The ICA fosters culturally safe professional spaces, international collaborations, and market opportunities for Indigenous filmmakers. Through mentorship, distribution guidance, and co-production support, the Alliance ensures Indigenous stories reach global audiences with integrity, promoting visibility, representation, and creative sovereignty.
For more information on members, programs, and fellowships, visit the Indigenous Cinema Alliance.
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