Coby Friesen Wins 13th Annual RBC $10,000 Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition

WINNIPEG, MB — On Screen Manitoba, RBC and the Gimli International Film Festival are pleased to announce Coby Friesen has won the 13th Annual RBC $10,000 Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition at the 2024 Gimli International Film Festival.
Friesen’s winning pitch for Cruising in Gomorrah, was awarded $10,000 in production funds courtesy of RBC and additional industry support to complete their project:
- a $5,000 Sunbelt Rentals Grant certificate;
- a story-editing and directing mentorship from the National Screen Institute Canada;
- $2,000 equipment rental credit and a one-year membership to the Winnipeg Film Group;
 - a one year On Screen Manitoba membership and;
- premiere screening of Cruising in Gomorrah at the 2025 Gimli International Film Festival.
 
Cruising in Gomorrah follows two childhood friends, Chris and Alex, who go camping together at an idyllic yet supposedly haunted beach. However, tensions begin to mount as Chris’ deep Christian faith clashes with Alex’s worldly desire. Things start to get weird when a looming presence of good and evil pervades the beach, awakening unconscious desires of longing and forcing these two friends to come to terms with their sexuality.

"Winning the $10,000 Emerging Filmmaker award is overwhelming and affirming." said Coby Friesen, winner of the 13th Annual RBC $10,000 Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition. "It's an honour to have the privilege to bring this queer horror to the big screen"

“As people we are innately curious and imaginative, with the unique ability to generate ideas and create scenarios beyond our immediate experience. We at RBC thank the finalists for sharing their gifts of creative ingenuity and expression, each enveloping us in a rich and captivating narrative,” said Tracey Schofield, RBC Regional Vice President. “We are delighted to congratulate Coby on being named winner of this the 2024 RBC Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition at Gimli Film Festival. We couldn’t be more excited to follow their journey and eagerly await the premiere of Cruising in Gomorrah in 2025.”

Five finalists had three minutes to pitch their short film concepts to a jury of industry professionals and a live audience. Following each pitch, the jury had three minutes to ask questions.

During the 2024 RBC Pitch Competition jury deliberation, the Gimli International Film Festival held the premiere screening of "Regalia" by Farrah Murdock, the 2023 winner of the Pitch Competition. The short film follows young Fancy Dancer, Leo, as they move effortlessly amongst the crowd of Powwow goers and dances freely alongside fellow dancers within the open Powwow arbour. When Leo enters a modern urban city, he finds it difficult for himself and the Regalia he wears to fit in. Leaving Leo feeling unwelcome and defeated. It is in the resilience of his people that he finds the strength to continue to wear his Regalia with honour.

"We are grateful for the longtime support of the RBC Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition, for 13 years, it has both supported and provided a platform to showcase and launch the incredible talent and creativity of Manitoba’s emerging filmmakers," said Lindsay Somers, Executive Director of On Screen Manitoba. "We are thrilled to support Coby and look forward to seeing his vision come to life. This competition not only provides crucial funding but also connects filmmakers with invaluable resources and mentorship to help them succeed. Supporting Manitoba talent is vital to fostering a strong and vibrant media production industry in our province. We are proud to contribute to an ecosystem that nurtures creativity, drives economic growth, and highlights the unique stories and voices of our community."

Thank you to all 32 emerging Manitoba filmmakers who submitted and congratulations to the five finalists who pitched their story ideas:

Finalists:

• Zackary Dear “Under Her Breath”

• Thomas Donnelly ‘Shadow of a Bandmate”

• Haley Charney “The Tournament”

• Coby Friesen “Cruising in Gomorrah”

• Jacques Leger “Leaving”

 
"The Gimli International Film Festival is honoured to host the RBC Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition, which continues to be a cornerstone event celebrating the ingenuity and passion of Manitoba’s filmmakers," said Teya Zuzek, Executive Director of the Gimli International Film Festival. "We are excited to see Coby's project come to fruition and to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to share their stories. This competition not only highlights the exceptional talent within our province but also strengthens our commitment to supporting the growth of Manitoba’s film industry. Congratulations to all the finalists for their outstanding pitches and dedication to their craft."

Each finalist was awarded a one-year membership to On Screen Manitoba and an Industry Pass for the 2023 Gimli International Film Festival.

On Screen Manitoba and the Gimli International Film Festival wish to thank RBC, Sunbelt Rentals, the National Screen Institute Canada and the Winnipeg Film Group for the generous support. We also thank   jurors: Sarah Simspon-Yellowquill National Screen Institute, Manager of Programs & Development, Chanda Chevannes, Executive Producer of NFB’s Central Documentary Unit (Nunavut, Manitoba and Ontario and Holly Moore, Managing Editor, CTV Winnipeg, for their time and contributions to the success of the event

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 98,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 18 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.
 
Gimli International Film Festival (GIFF) is Manitoba’s premier film festival and the largest rural film festival in all of Canada. Since 2001, GIFF has welcomed thousands to the shores of Lake Winnipeg for its various film screenings of local, national, and international feature films, documentaries, short films, and media art. The festival’s premier event, the Beach Screenings, which take place every night of the five-day festival, have drawn people from all over the world to take in one of Manitoba’s most unique summer experiences.
 
On Screen Manitoba is a non-profit, member-driven provincial industry association that leads, builds and represents the media production industry. We represent an industry that employs over 2000 skilled, creative Manitobans, and our members include producers, writers, directors, filmmakers, industry professionals, labour organizations, production companies, service suppliers, training organizations, film festivals and other stakeholders. We work collaboratively to improve working conditions, support workforce development, attract new workers and celebrate the accomplishments of our members.

For more information please contact:
Maryam Decter
Program Manager, On Screen Manitoba
maryam@onscreenmanitoba.com

Teya Zuzek
Executive Director, Gimli International Film Festival
teya@gimlifilm.com

Cassidy Burak
Communications Coordinator, Gimli International Film Festival
media@gimlifilm.com