RBC $15,000 Emerging
Filmmaker Pitch Competition
Do you have what it takes to do the pitch?
Are you an emerging filmmaker? Are you looking to bring your short film to life and share it with the world? Are you over the age of 18 and a resident of Manitoba? Are you prepared to complete your 3-5 minute short film in one year’s time for a premiere screening at the 26th annual Gimli International Film Festival in 2026?
If yes, we want you.
Join RBC in partnership with GIFF and On Screen Manitoba for the 14th annual RBC $15,000 Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition on Saturday July 26, 2025.
Applicants must have:
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.
Qualified applications are given the opportunity to pitch their project to a panel of professionals in front of a live audience during this year’s Gimli International Film 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 Sunbelt Rentals’ Equipment Rental Grant Certificate;
A story-editing and directing mentorship with National Screen Institute Canada;
$2,000 in in-kind film production and studio rentals at The Winnipeg Film Group;
$3,000 in-kind production support from Talon Production Services
One year Industry Professional Membership and All Access 365 pass from On Screen Manitoba
Premiere screening of your film at the 2026 Gimli Film Festival!
*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?
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 the Gimli International Film Festival 2026 and a one-year Professional Membership to On Screen Manitoba.
Entry Deadline: Monday June 16th, 2025 at 12:00pm CDT
If your entry is successful, you will be notified by July 12, 2025. You will then be given details regarding your live pitch on Saturday July 26 at the Gimli Theatre as part of the 2025 Gimli International Film Festival!
In partnership with
