REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Truth Telling Project – Documentary Production

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Truth Telling Project – Documentary Production
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples

Issue Date: August 07, 2025
Closing Date: September 07, 2025
Contact: Jessica Dawson, Director of Governance Support

1. Overview

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is seeking proposals from qualified media production firms or independent producers to produce a professional documentary as part of our Truth Telling Project, which supports reconciliation and combats racism through the sharing of stories and lived experiences of off-reserve and non-status Indigenous Peoples.

The final deliverable will be a 30-60 minute professionally produced documentary style film, developed in collaboration with the CAP project team. The documentary will feature filmed interviews and existing archival material and will be distributed as part of CAP’s reconciliation and education efforts.

2. Background

The Truth Telling Project is part of CAP’s broader mandate to raise awareness of the realities faced by Indigenous Peoples living off-reserve, including systemic racism and exclusion from policy and programs. This project aims to advance reconciliation through storytelling, while creating high-quality educational and advocacy tools for public, community, and policy audiences.

3. Scope of Work

The successful proponent will complete all phases of documentary development and production as outlined below:

Phase 1: Pre-Production

• Attend an initial planning meeting with the CAP project team.
• Collaborate with CAP to identify and confirm 7–10 key informants/interviewees.
• Source and review relevant archival or existing media content.
• Develop a detailed project management and production plan.
• Confirm filming locations and create a filming schedule.

Phase 2: Production

• Film 7–10 interviews using professional-grade video, lighting, and audio equipment.
• Ensure culturally respectful and trauma-informed interview processes.
• Capture B-roll footage where necessary to support documentary storytelling.

Phase 3: Post-Production

• Edit the documentary using professional editing software such as Adobe Premiere or Vegas Pro but not limited. 
• Deliver a first draft of the documentary to CAP for review and feedback.
• Incorporate revisions based on CAP feedback.

Phase 4: Finalization and Distribution

• Finalize editing and post-production, including sound mastering, scoring, and visual polishing.
• Caption the film in English (as per accessibility standards) and subtitle in French.
• Provide CAP with all final video files in HD MP4 format.
• Provide all digital materials (footage, audio, source files, subtitles) archived on a hard drive.
• Support the planning and launch of the documentary, including coordination with an events consultant.
• Assist with the dissemination of the final documentary for educational and policy purposes.

4. Deliverables

• One (1) 30-60 minute professionally produced documentary, delivered in HD MP4 format.
• Fully captioned (English) and subtitled (French) version for web and social media sharing.
• Archived copies of all raw and edited footage and project files.
• Materials prepared for accessible, public distribution.

5. Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include:

• Cover Letter
• Company Profile or CV
• Summary of Experience with similar Indigenous, social justice, or documentary projects.
• Creative Vision/Approach for the project
• Detailed Budget, including all production, post-production, translation, and accessibility services.
• Timeline and Work Plan aligned with the project phases and milestones
• Examples of Previous Work (links to video portfolios or documentaries)

6. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Relevant Experience & Qualifications

Creative Approach & Cultural Sensitivity

Budget and Cost Effectiveness

Work Plan and Timeline

Quality of Previous Work

7. Submission Instructions

All proposals must be submitted by email in Word or PDF format to:

Jessica Dawson, Director of Governance Support 
Subject Line: RFP – Truth Telling Documentary Proposal

Upload your proposal in the résumé and/or cover letter field.

Late submissions will not be considered. CAP reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals.

8. Additional Notes

• All work must be conducted in a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed manner.
• The proponent must respect and protect the confidentiality and intellectual property of the interviewees and CAP.
• CAP will retain full ownership and usage rights to the final product and all source materials.

If you require further information, please contact Jessica Dawson at j.dawson@abo-peoples.org