A Winnipeg-based filmmaker is feeling thankful after winning a prestigious contest at the Gimli International Film Festival. On Saturday, John Luke won the 15th annual RBC $15,000 Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition with a pitch for a short film titled “Sun Shower.” As part of his winnings, Luke will receive $15,000 to make his film, as well as funds for rental gear, production support, and studio and wardrobe rentals. He will also get the chance to screen his movie at next year’s film festival. Luke, who works as an editor, camera operator and post-production specialist, said his mind went blank when he was announced as the winner. “I was just kind of thankful to be there in the moment,” he said in an interview with Your Morning Winnipeg on Wednesday. “I was thinking about my family and friends that were in the audience with me. There were a lot of cameras and stuff going on so it was kind of blank once they announced the name.” Luke explained that “Sun Shower” tells the story of a man named Troy whose truck breaks down a few kilometres from home. While Troy walks through the sunny countryside on his way home, his mother cycles by and tells him about a vivid dream. Once at home, Troy speaks with his father, who tells him that his mother died earlier that afternoon. Luke said the idea for the film was inspired by generational love. “I wanted to honour my parents and mentors, a lot of teacher figures and stuff in my life,” he said. “It came around that idea and the idea of time; we have no control over it.” As for his advice to other aspiring filmmakers, Luke said to “jump on whatever story’s lying around in your head.” “Just do it. Write it down. Get some friends. Do it yourself. It has to start somewhere.’
