With the continued growth of factual and non-scripted production in Manitoba’s film industry, Film Training Manitoba (FTM) delivered a large-scale masterclass on Documentary Cinematography on February 14–15, 2026. This demand-driven initiative was presented in partnership with DOC Manitoba, FascinAsian Film Festival, and the Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC).
The masterclass was led by award-winning cinematographer Iris Ng, whose work is widely recognized for its focus on human rights, marginalized communities, and auteur-driven storytelling. Ng has collaborated with leading directors on critically acclaimed documentaries, including projects with Sarah Polley, Sandi Tan, and Sue Kim, while also serving as cinematographer on scripted shorts, prime-time television, and digital series.
“Training sessions that utilize industry veterans such as Iris Ng play an essential role in strengthening Manitoba’s film workforce by advancing professional skills and workplace readiness,” said FTM Executive Director Adam Smoluk. “This session combined lecture-style learning with individualized mentorship to support meaningful professional development for Manitoba’s film community.”
The masterclass brought together 24 participants, including members from all three partner organizations. Attendance reflected strong cross-sector engagement and demonstrated significant interest from both emerging and established film professionals.
The two-day program opened with an in-depth discussion moderated by DOC Manitoba member Kevin Nikkel. The session explored Ng’s creative process, her collaborative relationships with directors, and her approach to diverse documentary scenarios. She also discussed her use of mixed formats—including Super 8 and digital cinematography—and how these aesthetic choices support visual storytelling. Clips from Stories We Tell, This River, A Better Man, and Shirkers were screened to provide practical examples and encourage discussion.
Charles Konowal, CSC Full Member, DOC Manitoba member, and FTM Board Member, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “Iris Ng’s masterclass demonstrates the CSC’s strong tradition of collaboration in Manitoba and its ongoing commitment to supporting members across Canada’s regions. There is clear enthusiasm for this important partnership between the CSC and FTM.”
The first day concluded with a networking mixer, with refreshments generously provided by the CSC, allowing participants to connect with peers, mentors, and industry professionals.
In addition, 14 participants took part in pre-registered, 25-minute one-on-one mentorship sessions with Ng. These personalized meetings offered tailored feedback aligned with participants’ individual projects, career goals, and creative challenges.
Participant feedback highlighted the value of these interactions. One attendee, DOC Manitoba member Nilufer Rahman, noted: “I deeply appreciated the opportunity to meet and learn from Iris. Much of what she shared about her filmmaking journey resonated with me as a woman of colour in the industry. She is approachable and generous with her insights. Her emphasis on building trust and engaging with people beyond the camera was especially meaningful. As an independent filmmaker who often works in small teams, opportunities like FTM’s masterclasses help me feel more connected, supported, and energized.”
Overall, the masterclass provided Manitoba filmmakers with direct access to nationally recognized industry expertise while strengthening professional networks within both the local and national film community.
Program Outcomes
Key outcomes included:
- Increased access to nationally recognized cinematography expertise
- Strengthened collaboration among Manitoba film sector organizations
- Direct mentorship opportunities for local filmmakers and cinematographers
- Enhanced professional networking and community connections
Evaluation Results
FTM collected 35 participant evaluations, demonstrating strong satisfaction and measurable impact.
In-Depth Discussion Session:
- 90.9% agreed the session supported their current or future work
- 100% found speakers knowledgeable and well prepared
- 100% agreed there was an effective balance of presentation and audience engagement
- 100% would recommend future FTM programming
- 100% reported overall satisfaction
One-on-One Mentorship Sessions:
- 100% agreed content was relevant to career goals
- 100% reported increased confidence and skills development
- 100% found the instructor responsive to questions
- 100% agreed the sessions were effectively delivered
The Documentary Cinematography Masterclass reflects FTM’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, industry-responsive training while strengthening a skilled, collaborative, and inclusive film workforce in Manitoba.
FTM is a member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council Program funded through the Manitoba Business, Mining, Trade & Job Creation. 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 and television industry to identify training needs to support workforce development output.