You're invited to join the Weengushk Film Institute (WFI) and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG) on Feb. 12 as they announce a new partnership project.
The Certificate in Short Film Production program is set to launch this fall at Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig in Sault Ste. Marie, marking a "significant milestone in the collaboration between WFI and SKG."
The program will commence on Sept. 22, 2025 and run until July 2026.
For more details, see the press release below.
The Weengushk Film Institute (WFI) and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG) are excited to announce a new partnership on Feb. 12, 2025, to unveil details of the Certificate in Short Film Production program starting this Fall at Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. The launch of this program marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between WFI and SKG. The program will commence on Sept. 22, 2025 and run until July 2026.
The announcement event will provide attendees with an overview of the program, designed as a full-term certificate to equip students with practical filmmaking skills and a deeper understanding of narrative sovereignty and Indigenous storytelling.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to providing meaningful education that blends technical skills with cultural storytelling,” said Nano Debassige, Vice President of Weengushk Film Institute.
“We are proud to be offering this program in collaboration with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, empowering students to tell stories that inspire and resonate.”
Event Details:
- Date: Feb. 12, 2025
- Time: 11:30 a.m.
- Location: Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
Speakers:
- Nano Debassige, Vice President, Weengushk Film Institute
- Mary Wabano-McKay, President and CAO, Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig
- Special guest speakers from the film and media industry
- Event is open to everyone, free to attend, with free parking; no RSVP required
- Refreshments to be provided
Attendees will learn more about the program’s curriculum, its emphasis on Indigenous knowledge, and how it will prepare students for careers in media arts. The event will also highlight the importance of storytelling as a tool for cultural preservation and creative expression.
The Lab 1 program provides students with hands-on training in filmmaking, covering everything from concept development and screenwriting to cinematography and post-production techniques. Graduates will earn a Certificate in Short Film Production and develop professional skills to launch their careers or pursue further studies in film.
“We are thrilled to partner with Weengushk Film Institute to bring this program to our campus in Bawaating,” said Mary Wabano-McKay, President and CAO of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig. “This collaboration provides learners with an unparalleled opportunity to explore storytelling through film, rooted in both technical excellence and cultural teachings.”
Registration for the September 2025 cohort will open following the announcement event. More details will be available at weengushk.com and shingwauku.org.