Winnipeg filmmaker, journalist and storyteller to host fifth annual SWIFT Conference featuring keynote speaker Pam Grier
Film Training Manitoba (FTM) is pleased to announce that Joanne Roberts will serve as emcee for the fifth annual Canada’s Supporting Women in Film Trades (SWIFT) Conference, taking place Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the University of Winnipeg’s Riddell Hall.
A respected Winnipeg-based journalist, filmmaker and storyteller, Roberts brings extensive experience in broadcasting, documentary filmmaking and community-focused storytelling to this year’s conference. She has worked as a national broadcaster, including with CBC and CityNews. Her documentary work includes A Filipino Heart in Canada and the CBC series Being Asian: Competing Truths.
“I’ve always loved that SWIFT makes room for both the reality of building a career in film and the excitement of what’s possible,” Roberts said. “There is no other room like this one. Every year I catch up with familiar faces and meet new artists. I have such pride in watching this conference grow and connect filmmakers of every discipline, in every stage of their career.”
Roberts is no stranger to SWIFT. She has previously participated in FTM’s SWIFT programming, sharing her experience and career journey with women working across the film and media industry. She also served as the emcee for FTM’s recent partnership with the RBC 2026 Manitoba Emerging Filmmakers Competition at the Gimli International Film Festival.
“Joanne is an exceptional storyteller and a natural choice to help guide this year’s SWIFT Conference,” said Adam Smoluk, Executive Director of Film Training Manitoba. “She understands the importance of creating opportunities for women in our industry, and she brings warmth, energy and professionalism to every room she enters. We are thrilled to have her join us as emcee for what promises to be our most exciting SWIFT Conference yet.”
This year’s conference, themed “ACTION!: Breaking Barriers. Building Careers,” will bring together women-identifying and non-binary professionals, emerging talent and industry leaders for a full day of learning, networking and career development. The 2026 program will feature industry panels, networking opportunities and a keynote address from legendary actress and cultural icon Pam Grier.
Grier will participate in an afternoon keynote session moderated by Ellen Rutter, exploring her groundbreaking career, experiences in the film industry, resilience, leadership and the importance of taking action to build a lasting career.
The 2026 SWIFT Conference takes place Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the University of Winnipeg’s Riddell Hall, 411 Spence Street. Registration is currently open, with tickets priced at $70.
For more information and to register, visit Film Training Manitoba’s SWIFT Conference page.
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council program funded through the Department of Business, Mining, Trade and 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 industry to identify training needs to support workforce development.