John Luke Wins 15th Annual RBC $15,000 Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition
John Luke has won the 15th annual RBC $15,000 Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition at the Gimli International Film Festival (GIFF), selected from five finalists in a live pitch session held Saturday, July 26, 2026.
John Luke pitched Sun Shower, a short feature film with the synopsis, “After his truck breaks down a few kilometres from home, Dan walks the rest of the way through the sunny countryside. Along the road, his mother cycles by, carefree and seemingly unaware of him. After he finally gets her attention, she shares a vivid dream before continuing her ride. When Dan arrives home, his wife hands him the phone. His father delivers devastating news; Dan’s mother had died earlier that afternoon, turning their chance meeting into something impossible and profound..”.
John Luke is a Winnipeg-based editor, camera operator, and post-production specialist whose credits include APTN series Taken and 7th Gen, along with work at Eagle Vision Inc. and Farpoint Films. Alongside his production work, he mentors emerging Indigenous filmmakers as a workshop instructor and editor with the National Screen Institute's New Indigenous Voices program. He recently directed and edited the short film Coyote (2026) for the 48 Film Festival, following his 2023 co-directorial debut Mâtinamâkêwin / The Offering.
"I believe the greatest legacy we leave isn't measured by what we achieve, but by what we leave in one another. If my films can help people carry a little more love, compassion, or understanding into their own lives, then that's why I tell stories,” said John Luke.
As the winning filmmaker, John Luke will receive:
● $15,000 in production funding from RBC
● $5,000 in-kind equipment rental support from Cinelease
● Mentorship from the National Screen Institute – Canada
● $5,000 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 Film Training Manitoba
● Premiere screening at the 2027 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
“John Luke’s vision for Sun Shower is exactly the kind of authentic storytelling this competition was created to champion," said Kathleen Michaluk, RBC Regional Vice President, Agassiz. "Manitoban voices, perspectives, and experiences deserve the resources and support to tell their stories. Film has a unique power to connect us to each other, and to stories that might otherwise go unheard, and RBC is thrilled to help make that possible. We can't wait to see John Luke's story on screen at the 2027 Gimli International Film Festival."
“This exciting event led to the selection of a compelling creative vision and a winner who can bring it to the screen. With the support of the RBC and GIFF and other valued partners, they have an incredible opportunity to transform an exciting idea into a compelling project. FTM can’t wait to see where this journey leads,” said FTM‘s Executive Director, Adam Smoluk.
“I’m thrilled for John Luke’s pitch to come to life on the big screen, knowing this program can be career-changing by providing access to resources that allow filmmakers to flourish,” says Teya Zuzek, the executive director of GIFF. “We have an immense collection of talent here at GIFF and in the RBC Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition, and I encourage all five finalists to share their story, regardless.”
The RBC Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition is presented by RBC, in partnership with Film Training Manitoba and the Gimli International Film Festival.
For more information please contact:
Terri Abrey
Media Coordinator
Email: media@gimlifilm.com