In addition to these primary objectives, NIFCO also:

• Sponsors research projects and publications dealing with film in the province;
• Brings to local audiences a refreshing view of independent film by artists from other areas;
• Assists members to obtain production financing for their films;
• Works with other artists and arts groups and institutions to encourage the development of indigenous cultural expression;
• Cooperates with other groups and institutions to encourage the development of film as an art and a cultural industry in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Provides a meeting space for filmmakers and media artists.

History

NIFCO was founded in 1975 by a group of filmmakers who wanted to ensure that the means of film production were available to artists working in the province.

In the beginning the co-op was housed in the rear of the old NFB building in Pleasantville, with basic 16mm production and editing equipment, much of it borrowed. Gradually more equipment was acquired and in 1980 NIFCO moved downtown to its present location. The co-op now houses a complete production facility, including digital and analog editing suites, a mixing theatre, and an animation stand. NIFCO members have now produced over 200 films, ranging from short animations to feature length dramas, television series and documentaries.

Membership

Membership is open to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador by approval of the NIFCO Board of Directors.
An applicant must either:

• Have screen credits in three NIFCO films or;
• Have screen credits in six non-NIFCO films or;
• Present at a general meeting a film he or she has produced or directed or;
• Have attended four general meetings, two of them consecutively.

Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the First Time Film Program to produce a film, which will qualify them for membership.