Film Training Manitoba launches new mentorship program to increase diversity

A new program aims to attract diverse voices to work in Manitoba’s film industry.

An organization dedicated to helping build Manitoba’s film industry has launched a new initiative aimed at diversification of the sector.

Film Training Manitoba has officially partnered with DOC Manitoba to launch the Northern and Diverse Creators Program, which aims to add diversity to the film production sector in the province.

“The new initiative provides accessible training for 220 underrepresented Manitoba-based participants to break down barriers and provide skills-focused training with direct application to our growing film production sector,” said Kevin Nikkel with DOC Manitoba, one of the organizations involved in the program.

Nikkel said the initiative stems from two surveys conducted in 2023, which showed a decline in diversity in the film industry, especially among women and gender-diverse people.

The program will see 12 masterclasses throughout the province targeted towards diverse communities, including women, northern and rural Indigenous people, Ukrainian refugees and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. The sessions will teach people about jobs and opportunities in Manitoba’s film industry. Rory Kennedy, an Academy Award-nominated director (Last Days in Vietnam), is the lead instructor.

“This is a critical, important program, which will be particularly inspiring to Manitoba youth to participate, and also to emerging filmmakers that happen to need that extra outlet or that extra knowledge,” said Reil Munro, a board member with Film Training Manitoba.

Sessions will take place in Churchill, The Pas, Flin Flon, Cranberry Portage, Brandon, and Winnipeg.

Jaime Moses, Manitoba’s minister of business, mining, trade and job creation, said increasing diversity in the film industry also increases the number of stories that can be told.

“I think in a world where we’re seeing ever-pressing threats to free speech, it’s important as Manitobans, as Canadians, to stand up for people to be able to share their stories, share their own experiences,” he said.

The sessions run from Sept. 27 to Dec. 6. More information can be found online.