Join RBC in partnership with GIFF and On Screen Manitoba for the 15th annual RBC $15,000 Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition on Saturday July 25, 2026.
The RBC® Emerging Filmmaker Competition is open to anyone who has:
- Less than three years experience in filmmaking.
- Some completed basic training – can be formal (university or college studies) or informal (production courses, workshops, hands-on experience in media arts production) etc.
- At least one completed independent film or video work that has been presented in a professional or film industry related context.
If you qualify, GFF will give you an opportunity to pitch your project to a panel of professionals in front of a live audience during this year’s Festival. We would like you to be able to describe your story idea, justify your budget, describe your ideal cast and crew and talk about your overall vision for the project.
If you win – you will receive:
- $15,000* to make your film courtesy of RBC;
- $5,000 in Cinelease Rental Gear;
- A story-editing and directing mentorship with National Screen Institute Canada;
- $5,000 in in-kind film production and studio rentals at The Winnipeg Film Group;
- Access to Online Courses from Film Training Manitoba & a spot in the Film Expo 2027;
- Premiere screening of your film at the 2027 Gimli Film Festiva
*Over the next year, the $15,000 will be released in four installments:
- $3,750 on approval of a final script
- $3,750 on first day of principal photography
- $3,750 on completion of photography
- $3,750 on delivery of finished project
Interested?
Review the rules & regulations here.
Fill out this Jotform and include all required documents. If you have any questions, contact info@gimlifilm.com All finalists will receive an Industry Pass to this year’s Gimli International Film Festival.
Entry Deadline: Monday June 15th, 2026 at 12:00pm CDT
If your entry is successful, you will be notified by July 12, 2026. You will then be given details regarding your live pitch on Saturday July 25 at the Gimli Theatre as part of the 2026 Gimli International Film Festival!