RBC $15,000 Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition Finalists are IN!
Gimli, Manitoba, July 8, 2025 - With 42 submissions, this is the most competitive edition of the RBC Emerging Filmmaker Pitch yet.
Five emerging filmmakers will pitch live at the 2025 Gimli International Film Festival on Saturday, July 26 at 10 a.m.
Selected from a record 42 submissions—the most in the competition’s 14-year history— this year’s finalists are:
Ande Brown – Half-Naked
Faustina Dalmacio – Wika
John Luke – Sedna
Evan Friesen - Maladaptive
Robyn Adams – Spirit Bead
“The creativity and confidence these filmmakers bring to the table is inspiring,” said Tracey Schofield, Regional Vice-President, RBC. “We’re proud to support the next generation of Canadian film creatives because great stories start with bold ideas. We’re here to help bring those ideas from pitch to production.”
The winning filmmaker will receive:
$15,000 from RBC
$5,000 Equipment Rental Grant Certificate from Sunbelt Rentals
Mentorship from the National Screen Institute – Canada
$2,000 in in-kind rentals from Winnipeg Film Group
$3,000 in-kind support from Talon Production Services
One-year Industry Professional Membership and All Access 365 pass from On
Screen Manitoba
Premiere screening at the 2026 Gimli International Film Festival
Eligibility to apply for up to $10,000 through Manitoba Film and Music’s Grant
Program for Emerging Talent and Micro-Budget Production Fund
“The RBC Filmmaker Pitch helps launch careers by turning creative ideas into real films,” said Lindsay Somers, Executive Director of On Screen Manitoba. “It offers hands-on experience, mentorship, and momentum — we’re grateful for this collaboration and its impact on our local industry.”
“This is the most submissions we’ve ever received,” said Teya Zuzek, Executive Director of the Gimli International Film Festival. “It reflects growing confidence in Manitoba’s emerging creators and a clear appetite for industry opportunities.”
The RBC Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition is presented by RBC, in partnership with On Screen Manitoba and the Gimli International Film Festival.
About the Gimli International Film Festival
Since 2001, the Gimli International Film Festival has welcomed thousands to the shores of Lake Winnipeg for screenings of local, national and international feature films, documentaries, short films and experimental media. The festival’s premiere event, the RBC Beach Screenings, takes place nightly during the five-day festival and draws audiences from across Manitoba and around the world.
About On Screen Manitoba
On Screen Manitoba is a non-profit provincial industry association supported by a membership that includes producers, creators, crew members, unions, production companies, training institutions, festivals and suppliers—representing more than 2,000 media production professionals. As a Sector Council supported by the Manitoba government, On Screen Manitoba also develops and delivers workforce training to support job growth, skills development and sustainability in the media production industry.
Media contact:
Dre DeBattista
Media Coordinator
Gimli International Film Festival media@gimlifilm.com