15th Annual RBC $15,000 Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition

15th Annual RBC $15,000 Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition - Submission Form

All submissions must be received by Monday, June 15, 2026 at 12 pm (noon) CDT. All documents must be submitted through this digital form. Please contact info@filmtraining.mb.ca or info@gimlifilm.com if you have any questions.
Pitch Competition Requirements
Please ensure you meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be 18 years of age or older at the start of the Competition Entry Period (May 15, 2026)
- Be a Manitoba resident
- Limit of one submission per person
- Have less than three years of filmmaking experience
- Have completed some basic training, which can be formal (university or college studies) or informal (production courses, workshops, hands-on experience in media arts production)
- Have completed at least one independent film or video work that has been presented in a film-industry-related context.
- Participants must have reviewed and fully agree to the competition's Rules and Regulations.
Selection and Pitch process:
An industry advisory committee will independently review and select five finalists from the submissions.

The selected finalists are required to publically pitch their submitted project in front of a live audicene and jury at the 2026 Gimli International Film Festival. Finalists will be given three minutes to pitch their project and jury members will have three minutes to ask follow up questions.

By applying for this competition, you are acknowledging that are able to describe your film concept in a public setting which will include your story idea and vision, budget, and potential cast and crew.

Prizes:
In 2026, the winner(s) will recieve:
- $15,000 production grant from RBC
- $5,000 equipment rental grant from Cinelease
- $2,000 in-kind studio rental from Winnipeg Film Group
- Mentorship from the National Screen Institute
- Premiere screening of the completed film at the 2027 Gimli International Film Festival.
All five finalists will also receive:
- An Industry Pass to the 2026 Gimli International Film Festival
Applicant Information
Name

First NameLast Name
Email Address
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Are you 18 years of age or older as of May 15th, 2026?
Are you a Manitoba resident? (Must provide proof if chosen as a finalist)
Do you have less than three years of filmmaking experience?
Have you completed at least one independent film or video work that has been presented in a film-related context?
Pitch and Project Information
Project Title
Project Genre
Project Synopsis - 80 words maximum

Provide a brief summary of your film. 80 words maximum. Please submit as a .docx file.
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Project Pitch - 300 words maximum

Please elaborate on your project and tell us why the panelists should choose you and your project. Why are you making this film? Why are you the right person to make it? Why is it important? What does it mean to you? 300 words maximum. Please submit as a .docx file.
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Artistic CV/Resume

Please highlight your pass training, education and experience. Please upload as a .docx or .pdf file.
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Additional Forms
Consent and Release Form

Please read the Consent and Release form below
Rules and Regulations

Please download and read the 2026 Rules and Regulations
We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those chosen to participate at the 15th Annual RBC $15,000 Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition will be contacted. Due to the volume of submissions, the event organizers cannot provide notes or feedback on any submissions.

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15th Annual RBC $15,000 Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition - Submission Form

Applicant Information

Pitch and Project Information

Additional Forms

Consent and Release Form

Rules and Regulations