Manitoba Indigenous Filmmakers at All Access 365

Winnipeg, MB, January 15, 2026 — On Screen Manitoba (OSM) hosted All Access 365: Indigenous Leadership, Pathways & Sustainable Production, bringing together Indigenous creators, national screen agencies, provincial partners and industry leaders from across Canada to support Indigenous-led screen production in Manitoba.

Over the past five years, Indigenous-led productions in Manitoba have generated an estimated $204 million in total production budgets, including $139 million in direct Manitoba expenditures, according to data from Manitoba Film and Music. These figures reflect momentum in Indigenous-led production activity, supported by strong local capacity and coordinated investment across provincial and national partners.

“Manitoba is a national centre for Indigenous-led production,” said Valerie Creighton, president and CEO of the Canada Media Fund. “Indigenous stories are serious economic drivers. Audiences want authentic storytelling that asserts narrative sovereignty, challenges assumptions, and reflects lived experience, and Manitoba is delivering that at scale.”

Panels focused on training pathways and the strength of Manitoba-based work already reaching audiences, including mentorship and training opportunities with multiple seasons of Acting Good, produced by Kistikan Pictures, underscoring the importance of strong Indigenous-led production companies.

“The real value of this work lies in collaboration across the industry,” said Lisa Meeches, president, founding partner and executive producer of Manitoba-based Eagle Vision, which recently marked 25 years of production. “When Indigenous producers work in partnership with funders, training organizations, government and industry partners, it creates momentum that strengthens companies, supports skilled jobs and builds long-term capacity for Indigenous-led production in Manitoba.”

Panel Discussion: Connecting the Dots- From New Indigenous Voices to *Acting Good*

The event drew a strong cross-section of Indigenous talent, including members of the Winnipeg Indigenous Filmmakers Collective and graduates of the National Screen Institute’s New Indigenous Voices program.

Kerry Swanson, CEO of the Indigenous Screen Office

“The Indigenous Screen Office exists to advance Indigenous narrative sovereignty and strengthen Indigenous ownership and leadership across Canada’s screen sector,” said Kerry Swanson, CEO of the Indigenous Screen Office, in her keynote address.

“Manitoba has emerged as a nationally significant centre for Indigenous production, demonstrating how Indigenous-led companies, regional collaboration, and sustained investment can deliver both cultural and economic impact. Convenings like All Access 365 are essential to aligning national frameworks with Indigenous priorities on the ground.”

L-R: Kerry Swanson, Valerie Creighton, Elder Barb Nepinak, Honourable Minister Nellie Kennedy, Lindsay Somers and Melanie Nepinak-Hadley

National partners took part in the day’s program including Telefilm Canada and the National Screen Institute. Speakers and participants discussed priorities tied to long-term growth, including workforce development, training access, mentorship, Indigenous ownership, and sustainable career pathways across all stages of production.

The event also highlighted the role of provincial investment and industry infrastructure in supporting Indigenous-led production and building long-term opportunities for Manitoba’s creative workforce. Honourable Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, attended and delivered remarks.

Honourable Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Province of Manitoba

“Indigenous creators and companies are central to the strength and growth of Manitoba’s screen industry,” said Kennedy. “Our government is committed to supporting Indigenous leadership, sustainable careers and partnerships that ensure Manitoba continues to be a competitive and inclusive production centre.”

“What we’re seeing in Manitoba is the impact of strong Indigenous leadership, meaningful allyship, and a sustained collaborative approach connecting training to industry jobs,” shares On Screen Manitoba Executive Director Lindsay Hamel Somers. “We’re pleased to recognize and celebrate Manitoba’s valuable contributions within the Canadian screen industry, building and supporting a strong resilient industry for the future.”

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About On Screen Manitoba

On Screen Manitoba (OSM) is a non-profit, membership-based industry association representing Manitoba’s screen sector.

About All Access 365

All Access 365 is On Screen Manitoba’s year-round industry development platform, connecting Manitoba media production professionals with national partners and sector leaders through sessions focused on workforce growth, collaboration and business development.

Quotes:

“Telefilm values the opportunity to engage directly with Indigenous creators and producers in Manitoba and to strengthen development pathways that support long-term careers, creative control, and a wide range of Indigenous stories. Collaboration with regional partners like On Screen Manitoba is essential to achieving meaningful, sustainable outcomes.”- Shelley MacDougall, Telefilm Canada’s Feature Film Executive, Indigenous Content and Development, Telefilm Canada

“Indigenous production is a key driver of skilled creative jobs, business growth, and long-term capacity-building within Manitoba’s screen industry. Manitoba Film & Music is proud to work with On Screen Manitoba on activities that strengthen the overall sector and support a competitive, resilient industry.” - Lynne Skromeda, Film Commissioner and CEO, Manitoba Film and Music

“Training pathways must be grounded in real work, real relationships, and long-term career outcomes. Through programs such as New Indigenous Voices, we’ve seen how Indigenous-led productions function as powerful career accelerators when training, mentorship, and culturally grounded supports are aligned. The conversations and partnerships reflected at All Access 365 demonstrate how Manitoba is building not just access points, but sustainable pathways into leadership for Indigenous creators and crew.”- Christine Kleckner, Executive Director, National Screen Institute

Event Partners

All Access 365: Indigenous Leadership, Pathways & Sustainable Production was presented with the support and participation of the following partners:

• Canada Media Fund • Telefilm Canada • Manitoba Film & Music • Independent Production Fund • National Screen Institute • Eagle Vision • MNP • Pinnacle Event Rentals

Manitoba Recognized as a National Hub for Indigenous Screen Production at All Access 365

On Screen Manitoba’s office is located on Treaty 1 territory: the territories of Cree, Oji-Cree, Anishinaabeg, Dakota, Dene and Métis Nations (now known as Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada). For over 100 years, Shoal Lake in Treaty 3 territory has provided water for Winnipeg.