Why You Need to Pay Attention to Film Festivals in Small Towns

In the heart of Manitoba, on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, the Gimli International Film Festival (GIFF) continues to redefine the role of cinema in small communities. This year, it’s doing more than just screening films—it’s creating civic space, building connections, and giving emerging voices a platform.

We spoke with Emily Gagné, the Short Film Programmer for GIFF 2024, who selected over 20 standout short films from more than 600 submissions. Her work highlights a powerful local “plus-value”: bringing global stories and underrepresented voices to a region with limited cinematic infrastructure.

“This city only has one theatre, and it’s only operational in the summer,” Emily explained. “So the festival gives people here a rare opportunity to see these wonderful films on a big screen.”

This is especially important for rural Manitoban communities, where filmgoing experiences are scarce. Festivals like GIFF bring people together not just as viewers but as active participants in cultural and civic dialogue. From comedies to bold explorations of body, identity, and belonging, this year’s short film program—described by Emily as “funny, uplifting, and weird”—pushed boundaries while remaining accessible.

Emily curated a special program titled The Body Electric, featuring stories by queer individuals, people of colour, and women reclaiming power through their narratives and physical presence. These films go beyond entertainment, reflecting lived realities often absent from mainstream screens.

By prioritizing representation, the festival elevates individual filmmakers and fosters a more inclusive cultural fabric in Manitoba—one that mirrors the province’s growing diversity.

What sets GIFF apart, Emily says, is its intimacy. With venues holding 200 people or fewer, audience members can interact directly with filmmakers, creating a sense of community ownership and dialogue.

“You’re not separated from the people watching the films,” she explains. “They come up to you, ask questions, and share how the film made them feel.”

This makes GIFF more than a viewing experience—it’s a civic event. Festival-goers become co-creators of meaning, contributing to the cultural heartbeat of Gimli and beyond.

For Manitoba filmmakers, GIFF serves as a stepping stone. Emerging creators gain feedback, build industry connections, and find support among peers. For Emily, it has already led to collaborations beyond the festival:

“I’ve connected with people I hope to work with in Toronto or at other festivals. Sometimes, one conversation here leads to a film being screened across the country.”

The ripple effect extends the festival’s value far beyond a single weekend, fueling careers, fostering mentorship, and promoting cultural diplomacy through the arts.

While Winnipeg has a thriving visual and performing arts scene, access to independent, international, and experimental cinema remains limited. GIFF and programmers like Emily help bridge that gap, decentralizing cultural experiences and bringing global perspectives to regional communities.

It’s a reminder that meaningful art doesn’t only live in big cities or theatres. It thrives in small spaces, lakeside towns, and in conversations sparked by a short film that makes someone laugh, cry, or think.