Manitoba’s film industry changing for the better

Film creatives in Manitoba say it’s going to great lengths to make sure women have a place in the industry. While key roles have traditionally been occupied by men, filmmakers like Fawnda Neckoway say the tides are changing – more women are stepping behind the camera.

“You know in the last little while I’ve really seen a lot more. And maybe I’m not even noticing it as much now and that’s a great thing,” said Neckoway.

“It’s encouraging. It’s uplifting for a group of powerful, dynamic, talented women to sit in the same space and just collaborate.”

Adam Smoluk is the executive director of Film Training Manitoba. It’s been offering workshops for women through its annual conference, Supporting Women in Film Trades. He’s seeing the direct impacts from conferences like SWIFT.

Adam Smoluk, Executive Director of Film Training Manitoba. (Photo Credit: Joanne Roberts, CityNews)

“You want the most talented, capable workers. And if you’re not attracting underrepresented workers, you’re not growing your industry,” explained Smoluk.

“People sign up for things right away. Women are signing up for our programs and courses right away – so we didn’t actually have that same connection before.”

Artist and filmmaker Sarah Luby says when women play big roles onset, it’s a different feeling. She recalls a film set from a couple months ago.

“Look at Barbie and Greta Gerwig. She’s been on the map for ages but now she’s really, really prominent and Margot Robbie in a producing situation of the film too, so. That’s really exciting and encouraging and keeps me going,” said Luby.

“It was such a warm and welcoming environment because it was mainly led by female and non-binary creators in all the lead positions, and I felt this calmness on set and just the ability to create.”

Susan Thompson, Winnipeg’s first female mayor, says she’s seen the industry grow from just a few women to now hundreds of people working on set.

Susan Thompson: Order of Manitoba, Winnipeg’s first female mayor. (Photo Credit: Joanne Roberts, CityNews)

“I would have to say, we are the best in Canada in terms of women in the film industry,” said Thompson.

“I think it’s important for the people of Manitoba to understand what a huge industry this is now, but how much bigger it can be.”

Film Training Manitoba’s SWIFT conference is taking place in November. Filmmakers like Neckoway and Luby say they’re looking forward to it, and seeing new faces join them on set.