2025 - Director Market Accelerator

Career Pipeline

DGC Market Accelerator - Presented by the National Directors Division

The National Directors Division (NDD) of the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) Director Market Accelerators were started in 2025 in recognition of the fact that many DGC Director members are not only Directors but also very often the writers and producers on projects for which they hold the IP. The Market Accelerators provide a wide array of benefits and opportunities at specific film festivals and markets internationally and within Canada. Current locations are: EFM (Berlin), Series Mania (Lille, France), Hot Docs (Toronto), International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Cannes Film Festival, Banff World Media Festival (Banff), Access Canada Summit during TIFF (Toronto), Atlantic International Film Festival Partners (Halifax), Content London. Selected DGC Directors all have active projects they are seeking to move forward with an independent producer attached and at least partial development financing secured. Delegation benefits include: project feedback direct from industry teams; market preparedness consultation sessions; 1:1 pitch and branding training with top industry consultants; private reception; discounted passes; and exclusive curated networking sessions with attending national and international decision makers.

Click on the tabs to see the full Delegations and descriptions of their projects.

"I freaking love what DGC is doing with the DGC NDD Market Accelerators" - DGC Director Tate Young

“Thank you for making Hot Docs such a success. I was able to meet with many decision makers and I found the experience even more beneficial than I expected. The work you did in preparing us for the festival was really helpful. Thanks again for the great opportunity and all your work for us, it is very appreciated.” - DGC Director & 2025 Hot Docs Director Delegate Adrian Wills

"The experience was invaluable not just in terms of the meetings and exposure , but also for the camaraderie it generated between the participants- hopefully the seeds of enduring collaborations." -  DGC Director & 2025 Banff World Media Festival Delegate Alison Murray

"Huge thanks to the National Directors Division for making the DGC Delegation to Access Canada during TIFF possible. The pitches I had went very well, and offered opportunities to talk about projects beyond the Feature I applied with. The round tables were informative, and gave this west-coaster a chance to connect with Telefilm, Rogers and CMF reps face to face. I left Toronto with scheduled follow ups, pitch/script requests, promised intros and referrals, and three meetings over zoom in the coming weeks, which came out of quick pitches during receptions and lobby snacks. I greatly appreciate the NDD making initiatives like this a priority for the DGC" -  DGC Director & 2025 Access Canada Delegate Mark Ratzlaff

“I’m thrilled to report that being selected as one of the DGC NDD Delegates at the Access Canada Summit enabled me to secure a producer for my next project and take it to the next level" -  DGC Director & 2025 Access Canada Delegate Nikila Cole

“As a DGC delegate at the Access Canada Summit through NDD’s Market Accelerator, I finally had the access I’ve been missing. I’ve been working hard to meet industry people, and this program put me face-to-face with producers, distributors, and decision-makers I wouldn’t otherwise reach. That in-the-room connection turned cold outreach into real conversations, concrete follow-ups, and a sharper path for my next feature. For an independent filmmaker building a company in Western Canada, that proximity is priceless. Programs like this don’t just open doors, they help us walk through them with confidence" -  DGC Director & 2025 Access Canada Delegate Sepideh Yadegar

Hot Docs 2025

Banff 2025

Access Canada Summit 2025

AIFF Partners 2025

VIFF 2025

FAQ

Who can apply?

All DGC Director Members in good standing are eligible. You must be the Director on the project you are planning to bring to market.

What is the selection process?

Selection is based on many factors: the project that you are developing; partners and funding already in place; market readiness and appropriateness. Regional representation and diversity of voices are also taken into account. The National Directors Division Executive Committee, as well as hired market experts, weigh in on the selection process.

When do applications open?

Applications generally open five months in advance of the market. This time allows those selected to fine tune pitches, market strategy, pitch materials, and to seek any additional funding needed to go towards travel and accommodation expenses. You can refer to our Market Accelerator Road Map to help you plan for upcoming calls for application.

Does the NDD fund my industry pass?

Yes, the NDD will generally purchase industry passes for the Delegation, budget permitting.

Does the NDD fund my travel and accommodation?

The NDD is not yet able to directly fund Delegates’ travel or accommodation. We are very pleased to have partnered with On Screen Manitoba to support some expenses for Manitoba Directors selected for our Market Accelerators. Selected Manitoba Delegates will apply directly to OSM for support. We are actively seeking new funding sources, and working with more partner organizations to be able to support more Directors with these costs.

Does the NDD set up meetings for me?

Ultimately, it is up to Delegates to make the most of each market, leveraging their status as a DGC Delegate, doing extensive research, and reaching out directly to those of interest to set up 1:1 meetings. In collaboration with our hired consultants, we will actively work with you to identify the most appropriate attending decision makers for your project. When possible, we will make introductions. Networking sessions with other delegations or countries will be organized when possible.

Why do we ask if you have an independent producer attached and development financing in place?

Market readiness is essential for success as a Delegate, and in many cases, market readiness means a Canadian producer and some development financing are already in place. Existing financing and producing partners are factors decision makers often assess before serious conversations around co-production can begin. That said, we take all aspects of the application into consideration when making final selections.

Can my producing or creative partner also participate in the Accelerator?

Market Accelerator opportunities are designed to further the careers and projects of DGC Director members. All training, market prep sessions, DGC-funded pass discounts, and DGC-organized decision maker meetings and events are for Delegates alone.

This allows you to present your project with the authenticity and passion that only you can provide, and gives you the freedom to pivot to other projects if need be. Your producer can, of course, attend the same market and participate in general meetings with you, outside of the scope of the Accelerator. 

 

I’ve already been a Market Accelerator Delegate. Can I attend again?

Yes. If you have participated in a Market Accelerator, you are welcome to apply for others. What we look for in these applications is an indication of how you used your position effectively in the previous market, and how you have developed your approach to target the new market for which you’re applying.