NSI Intro to Production – Manitoba Indigenous Youth Edition

Learn about careers in film and TV production and get real experience by making a short film.

Applications closed

About

NSI Intro to Production – Manitoba Indigenous Youth Edition is a culturally grounded training program for First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth in Manitoba, aged 18-22, who want to explore careers in the film and TV industry. 

Participants gain a supportive first step into film and television while building creative and technical skills through mentorship from Indigenous professionals. 

The program has two main parts: 

Phase 1: Online workshops 

You’ll learn how to turn your story idea into a film script. You’ll attend three online workshops guided by a professional screenwriter. Each participant develops a script and one will be used in phase 2 and made into a short film. 

Phase 2: In-person, on-site training 

During the eight-day, in-person training in Winnipeg, you’ll get real production experience by working on a short film written by one of your peers. You’ll learn about different roles on a film set, scriptwriting, problem-solving, budgeting and job skills. Food and transportation are provided. Please see the FAQs for more information about support and accommodations. 

At a glance

  • Applications open: October 8, 2025 
  • Applications close: November 6, 2025 at noon CT   
  • Selected participants notified by: November 21, 2025  
  • Phase 1 (online workshops): December 2 – 18, 2025 
  • Phase 2 (in-person, on-site training): January 19 – 21, January 26 – 28, February 2 – 3, 2026. A short film screening will take place the week of February 9, 2026.  

Note: All dates are subject to change. 

Key information

Program dates
December 2025 to February 2026. See the FAQs for details
Location
Part-time online and nine days in-person in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Cost
Application and tuition fees are covered by our generous partners

Who can apply?

This program is right for you if: 

  • you are 18 – 22 years old from the start of the program 
  • you are First Nations, Inuit or Métis  
  • you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada 
  • you’re curious about film, television and storytelling 
  • you have reliable internet access and a computer / smartphone (reach out if this is a barrier.) 
  • can commit to all nine (9) days of the in-person training in Winnipeg 

This opportunity is for creative, Indigenous youth ready to learn, collaborate and explore future possibilities in the screen industry.  

Benefits: 

You’ll learn from Indigenous filmmakers, get hands-on experience and have a chance to connect with industry professionals. Plus, you’ll get a payment for attending the in-person training and screening day. 

After completing the program, you’ll: 

  • have produced a short film as part of a team 
  • understand different roles in film production 
  • build confidence and cultural connection 
  • create an action plan for next steps such as training, mentorship or creative development 

Program phases

Commitment to underrepresented voices

The National Screen Institute partners with a visionary network of donors, businesses, and private and public organizations to provide industry-informed training in screen-based media, equipping creators across Canada with the skills to tell unforgettable stories. 

By prioritizing storytellers from equity-deserving communities – including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), women, 2SLGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and those in regional and remote areas – the institute helps build a more sustainable industry and a workforce ready to meet evolving market demands. 

Students and alumni find their voices and places on the global stage, strengthening the creative economy and shaping a better world. 

Questions

Please review the FAQ below. If you have any further questions or need support, email Sarah at sarahs.yellowquill@nsi-canada.ca or Grace at grace.bruinooge@nsi-canada.ca.  

Frequently asked questions

Meet the faculty

Close-up portrait of a smiling person with long, curly dark hair and light skin, wearing a black sleeveless top. She is posed against a plain light background, looking directly at the camera.

Amber-Sekowan Daniels

Script Consultant

Amber-Sekowan Daniels is an Anisininew screenwriter, showrunner and comedian. She was born and raised in Winnipeg and is a band member of Garden Hill First Nation.
Sarah-Simpson-Yellowquill

Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill

Manager of Programs & Development

As manager of programs and development, Sarah works across many of the National Screen Institute’s programs and manages CBC New Indigenous Voices and the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators.
Grace Bruinooge

Grace Bruinooge

Operations Administrator

Alumni 2024

  • Alireza Bayat
  • Dabi Anele
  • Elijah Oyibu
  • Heady Fortuna
  • Hossam Presly
  • Kateryna Starikova
  • Katnancy Cumti
  • Roula Al-Kayal
  • Sukhmanpreet Singh
  • Vira Mylyan-Monastyrska

All participants resided in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the time of training

Program Partners

Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism logo. Manitoba is spelled out in green text on the left and a black bison graphic is shown on the right. Indigenous Screen Office Telefilm Canada logo. Telefilm Canada is spelled out in black and all uppercase on the left. A tagline line spelled out in red uppercase to the right says partner of choice. MFM winnipeg-foundation On Screen Manitoba logo and description Winnipeg Arts Council logo. Winnipeg Arts Council is spelled out in black uppercase to the right. A green circle is shown on the left with a graphic letter W inside.
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