This pilot 4-week intensive program creates a venue for Indigenous and Black female-
identifying and non-binary filmmakers to share their stories and return women to their role as cultural carriers and central voices in our communities. We aim to provide film training in a structure that recognizes the violence and additional barriers faced by diverse female-identifying and non-binary people. We envision supporting emerging filmmakers who want to learn within a culturally relevant, safe and Indigenous centred-space.

 

The program will admit 6 Indigenous and 2 Black writers/directors from across Canada. Participants will be selected based on their creative vision, and their statement about the impact that the program would have on their proposed film project and/or career development. The selected artists will be divided into two teams with 3 Indigenous artists and 1 Black artist per team. These teams will each collaborate to create a new short (up to 10-minute) film. We will begin the program by building the circle, sharing life experiences, and storytelling with elders in combination with land-based teaching.

 

These intensive land-based experiences will include evening teachings, and storytelling by elders at the outdoor camp which will house all participants. An emphasis on collaboration, experimentation, and self-determination, will create a safe, supportive space for participants to tell the stories they need and want to tell: how they wish to tell them.
 

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Weengushk Film Institute is located just outside of M'Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island. The island is the largest freshwater lake island in the world, surrounded by Lake Huron, Georgian Bay and the North Channel. The natural beauty of the island and the cultural history, make WFI's location a prime spot for media production.

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Filming in the North

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​Manitoulin Island is approximately two-hours southeast of Sudbury - a prime location for the film industry in Northern Ontario. With ties to the Northern Film Industry, WFI students have successfully transitioned into industry professionals. 

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What defines Weengushk?

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• We encourage hands-on experience in the classroom.​

• We provide a low instructor-to-participant ratio.

• We offer one-on-one mentorships with working professionals.

• We provide the opportunity for participants to thrive in a 360-degree learning environment.

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What defines our graduates?

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• They are prepared for entry-level positions in the film and television industry.

• They are emerging artists with distinct voices.

• 80% of graduates are working in the media-arts industry