Film Training Manitoba (FTM) and Reel Pride International Film Festival are set to partner on an exciting panel session during the festival on September 27, 2023. The two organizations have selected a talented and diverse group featuring Manitoba film professionals Courtney Maertens, Coby Friesen, Alex Nguyen, Jaimz Asmundson and Daphne Finlayson.
Reel Pride Film Festival is the annual project of the Winnipeg Gay and Lesbian Film Society, Inc., a non-profit community group formed in 1985 to bring LGBTTQ* film to Winnipeg audiences. The festival is the oldest LGBTTQ* film festival in Canada, and from the beginning, the group’s activities have been carried out by volunteers.
“Reel Pride International Film Festival is an excellent partner to conduct this session on creative job and career opportunities in our growing film industry,” said FTM’s Executive Director Adam Smoluk. He added, “FTM is honoured to work collaboratively with Ray Desautels and his team on this new initiative during this excellent event.”
FTM’s mandate is to provide world-class training and workforce development to support the growth of Manitoba’s dynamic film industry. Founded in 1999, FTM is a member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council program, and we provide high-caliber workforce development programs to sustain Manitoba’s dynamic film and television industry. FTM works closely with the industry to identify training needs within Manitoba.
“Working with FTM allows Reel Pride to extend our reach and support more engagement with filmmakers and other film professionals in our festival. Both organizations are excited to work together, and we look forward to a long collaboration,” said Reel Pride International Film Festival President Ray Desautels.
Reel Pride Film Festival Celebrates queer media arts and contributes to societal vitality through programming focused on diversity, race, culture, religion, class, gender, ability, health and age. Promotes dialogue in a public, accessible and safe environment where artists and their stories bring awareness and understanding to issues from around the world. Supports unique opportunities to engage artistic work from beyond Manitoba and provide a global experience of human rights and liberties. Elevates Manitoba’s rich diversity by increasing awareness and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, and queer communities.
The Reel Pride Film Festival is an incorporated, not for profit, volunteer board organization, registered as The Winnipeg Gay and Lesbian Film Society.
For more information please see the Reel Pride International Festival program at:
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s sector council program (through the Department of Economic Development and Jobs). FTM conducts workforce development and training to build a highly skilled and adaptable film industry to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates with members of the film and television industry to identify the training needs within the community.