This training and learning session is part of Manitoba’s Northern & Diverse Creators Program. The costs of this program have been generously provided by the Canada Media Fund (CMF). This session is exclusively for people of Ukrainian origins, which includes: Ukrainian Manitobans, newcomers, and refugees.
Attendees must register in advance. Seating is limited, so please do not register unless you are fully committed to attending. This session is first-come, first-served.
Date: October 26, 2025
Location: UW’s Asper Centre for Theatre and Film (400 Colony Street)
Schedule:
6:00 pm: Registrations
6:30 pm to 7:45 pm: Rory Kennedy Masterclass
7:45 pm to 8:00 pm: Networking Break
8:00 pm to 9:45 pm: Rory Kennedy introduction and screening of Ethel (2012)
9:45 pm to 10:15 pm: Reception
Register: Masterclass and Special Screening (UCC)
About this training session:
During this in-depth in-class session, Kennedy will illuminate how documentary filmmakers engage in every part of production. Using clips of select projects, Kennedy will discuss the creative elements of filmmaking from concept through distribution. Using personal examples, Kennedy will share her creative process on how to deliver a compelling cinematic story.
Topics covered will include:
- Finding the story
- The value of first-person accounts and getting the “original source”
- Developing trust with your subjects
- Working with broadcasters, distributors and streamers
- Collaborating with creatives and crew
- Navigating production challenges
- Shaping your story in post-production
Instructors bio:
Rory Kennedy is a two-time Academy-Award-nominated, Primetime Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker. She has made over forty films, including LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM, ETHEL, and TAKE EVERY WAVE, all of which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
Her films have appeared on the major streamers and broadcast networks including Netflix, HBO, National Geographic and PBS. Her work has been profiled in The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times, and she has appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Today Show, CNN, and NPR.
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council program funded through the Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources. FTM builds a highly skilled and adaptable film industry workforce to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates and partners with members of the film industry to identify training needs to support workforce development.