The Gimli International Film Festival (GIFF) and Film Training Manitoba (FTM) are proud to announce a new partnership to support the 15th annual RBC Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition, which offers a $15,000 prize at GIFF 2026.
This signature event provides selected Manitoba-based filmmakers with the opportunity to pitch their projects to a panel of industry professionals and a live audience during the festival. Through this collaboration, GIFF and FTM will work together on staffing, marketing, and event coordination to enhance the experience for participants and audiences alike.
“Over the past several years, FTM and GIFF have collaborated on successful industry learning sessions during the festival,” said Teya Zuzek, Executive Director of GIFF. “With FTM’s award-winning track record in workforce development, we are proud to welcome them as an industry partner on this important event.”
Since 2001, the Gimli International Film Festival has welcomed thousands of visitors to the shores of Lake Winnipeg, showcasing local, national, and international feature films, documentaries, short films, and experimental media.
“GIFF is a vital asset to Manitoba’s film industry, highlighting both the unique community of Gimli and the province’s growing screen sector,” said Ellen Rutter, Chairperson of FTM. “We are thrilled to partner on the 2026 RBC Pitch Competition and support more Manitobans in advancing their careers in the industry.”
In addition to the competition, GIFF and FTM will co-present a training session in June designed to help current and emerging film professionals strengthen their pitching skills.
Applications for the 2026 RBC Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition will open on May 15 on both organizations’ websites.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jenna Paterson-Coutts
Communications Coordinator
Film Training Manitoba
P: 204.989.9669 Ext.3
jenna@filmtraining.mb.ca
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.