SPECIAL EVENTS
6:00-10:00pm | Wed, July 26 | Johnson Hall 5th Floor, Waterfront Centre
Opening Night Reception
Jasmine Henry
Tirian Plett
Super Pass and Filmmaker Pass holders are invited to join our VIPs, sponsors, volunteers, and filmmakers to kick off our 23nd annual Festival at this very special opening reception. Special thanks to our hospitality partners Mad Dash Catering for their delicious catering, and Interlake Brewing, the Official Beer of Gimli International Film Festival 2023! Live music will be performed by Jasmine Henry and Tirian Plett.
Originally from Gimli, Mb, Jasmine Henry is a vocalist finishing up a degree in jazz studies from the University of Manitoba. She’s been performing in Winnipeg for the few years singing with The Casual Tees, the Astronomics, and The Super Troopers (her ABBA cover band) while exploring other genres she always finds herself coming back to sing jazz. Jasmine just loves to sing and loves to share and make music with anyone that’ll listen.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Tirian Plett is a classical piano burnout who decided to audition for the jazz studies program on piano. Going into his fourth year of study in the fall, he’s been pursuing music full time playing everything from jazz, funk, fusion, neosoul, country, rock, pop, and prog-rock with various groups in Winnipeg, along with his own solo, duo and trio gigs. He has been loving getting to know the wonderful Manitoba music community and can’t wait to get even more involved in it!
Sponsored by the Johnston Group
12:30pm | Thurs, July 27 | FREE | Gimli Theatre
Young Manitoba Filmmakers Screening
The Young Filmmakers Program invites high school students from the best Film and Video production programs in Manitoba to submit their short films for a special free screening during the festival! During the event, the student filmmakers will present their films and have the opportunity to answer questions from the audience. Students participating in this program are given access to experience the rest of the festival including workshops, panels, networking events, and of course, film screenings.
This year’s program features short films by students from Sisler High School; Oak Park High School; and Gimli High School. Presented with support from the Winnipeg Foundation.
7pm – Midnight | Friday, July 28 | Location TBA
Friday Night Filmmaker Mingle
For all of our Filmmaker, Industry, Super, and VIP Pass holders, join us for a casual get together with Interlake Brewing! Food will be provided! Sponsored by Warner Brothers Discovery Access Canada.
4:00pm | Sat, July 29 | Gimli Theatre
The 48 Film Festival
On Saturday, July 29 GiIFF will premiere (in-person) Manitoba’s 48 Film Challenge 2023 shorts. There will be 15 jury-selected films representing the Manitoba region for the second annual 48 Film Festival. Two of these films will advance to the second annual Canada-wide screening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in 2023. All shorts were shot, edited and scored within just 48 hours. Participants include youth new to the filmmaking arts along with seasoned local filmmakers. This time based exercise encourages all filmmakers to collaborate with other artists and become stronger in their craft. We salute everyone who took part. ENJOY!!!
Sponsored by Payworks
7pm | Sat, July 29 | Johnson Hall, 5th Floor, Waterfront Centre
Awards Ceremony
Super Pass and Industry Pass holders, attending filmmakers, VIPs, and sponsors are invited to join us for this very special reception with appetizers and a cash bar. Join us and our award winners for a night of celebration and recognition. See who will win our coveted festival awards including Best Manitoba Director and our top film award, the Grand Jury Prize!
10am – 12pm | Sun, July 30 | Gimli Rec Centre
Volunteer Appreciation Pancake Breakfast
Festival Volunteers, Staff, Board and Committee members are welcome to attend this special volunteer appreciation event. There will be prizes, and a special presentation to the Betty Schwartz Memorial Volunteer Award winner!
Sponsored by Manitoba Liquor Mart
