About WFG Distribution
The Winnipeg Film Group, founded in 1974, began distributing locally made films in 1981 to help serve Manitoba filmmakers who were creating work but didn’t have the knowledge or resources to seek out screenings or sales for their work.
Currently we represent hundreds of filmmakers and video artists from across Canada and have an international reputation for providing quality works and exceptional service. The films in our collection range from 14 seconds to two hours and span all genres including narrative fiction, comedy, animation, documentary, experimental and hybrids of all.
In 2008 we shifted the focus of our main distribution efforts to that of short films but continue to sell longer documentary works for educational purposes.
The Winnipeg Film Group Distribution Department operates with four main objectives:
- To provide member filmmakers with increased exhibition opportunities across Canada and around the World and to assist in the development of their careers
- To provide artists a financial return
- To develop and expand audiences for Canadian independent film
- To maintain archival and access copies of all works in our collection and to ensure that they are accessible for research and viewing for current and future generations
This department is dedicated to enabling the unique artistic vision created by independent film and video makers to be accessible to as broad an audience as possible (regional, national and international), and to educating audiences to the quality of artistic work created by local and Canadian film and video artists.
The WFG is a member of the Independent Media Arts Alliance (IMAA) which has set a minimum fee schedule for film rentals. We also consult the CARFAC rate card for certain screening and opportunities. We strongly encourage all film festivals and screening venues to pay artist fees although we are aware this is not always possible. We acknowledge that many film festivals are career building venues that can offer a substantial amount of exposure to filmmakers, and as such we do not limit our screening submissions and opportunities only to those venues that do pay although the payment of artist fees guides our submission decisions greatly. We expect all catalogue requests to be paid opportunities.
If you are a venue looking to rent a film please consult our online Distribution Catalogue.
If you are an individual, community group or educational Institutional looking to purchase a film please consult our online DVD store.
If you are a filmmaker looking to place your film with us please read Distribute Your Film with Us to learn more and use our online Submission Form to easily submit your film to us.
DISTRIBUTION STAFF
Natalie Mark – Distribution & Archive Manager
natalie@winnipegfilmgroup.com | (204) 925-3456 ext 105 | they/them
The Distribution & Archive Manager is focused on the vitality, growth and conservation of the Winnipeg Film Group’s catalogue of film, video and media art. They are responsible for acquiring and distributing the catalogue, as well as preserving the rich body of work in the collection. The Distribution & Archive Manager seeks to ignite screening opportunities, sales and special projects. Currently, the Winnipeg Film Group is involved in a multi-year case study as part of Archive/Counter-Archive, a special project in conjunction with York University.
Natalie is the person to reach out to if you are interested in having your work in the WFG catalogue.
Mahlet Cuff – Distribution Assistant
mahlet@winnipegfilmgroup.com | (204) 925-3456 ext 109 | she/her
Mahlet works in a variety of areas, supporting artists and their films. On any given day Mahlet will be researching film festivals, organizing special screenings, creating clips and uploading WFG films to VUCAVU. She also engages in special programming at our Cinematheque.
Monica Lowe – Deputy Director
monica@winnipegfilmgroup.com | (204) 925-3456 ext 103 | she/her
As she has 15+ years of Distribution experience Monica consults with Distribution staff on high-level financial and artistic aspects of the Department but leaves the bulk of the activities in the capable hands of Natalie and Mahlet. Monica is involved in a variety of special Distribution projects and initiatives involving the work in our collection including the Archive / Counter Archive Case Study for the WFG. She was a co-founder and served on the Executive of VUCAVU for 10 years.
If you have a general inquiry or wish to screen our films please email distribution@winnipegfilmgroup.com
Thank you!
