The WFG Distribution Department is excited to present at the 2026 Gimli International Film Festival’s Global Industry Summit.
Titled From Picture Lock to File Preservation: The Lifespan of an Independent Short Film, this session will take a deep dive into phases of distribution and the long-term care of your film projects.
Independent film distribution is a beneficial resource for all phases of your film’s life. While this support is most tangible through the coordination of film screenings and educational acquisitions, there are many smaller actions taking place which make these film presentations possible. These smaller actions ensure better film presentation quality and allow for a longer lifespan due to accessibility, organization, and care. Using the story of the Winnipeg Film Group as a 50-year-old “accidental archive” and community repository, this session will provide insights into the three main phases of a film’s life: active distribution, non-active distribution, and the filmmaker’s archive. By focusing on these three main phases, we will dig into topics such as, but not limited to:
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Basics of independent film distribution
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Asset management
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Digital infrastructure and organization
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Access and searchability
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Presentation as preservation
While all knowledge shared is coming from the experiences of the Winnipeg Film Group Distribution staff, the information presented is meant to be helpful for those doing self-distribution as well.
The session will be led by Jillian Groening, Distribution Director, and Skye Callow, Distribution and Collections Coordinator.
Jillian Groening is an arts and cultural worker based in Winnipeg, MB on Treaty One Territory. They are the Distribution Director at the Winnipeg Film Group (WFG) and have a background in dance and performance.
Skye Callow is an artist, emerging film programmer, and arts administrator from Sandy Hook, Manitoba. Based on Treaty One Territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she currently works as the Distribution and Collections Coordinator at the Winnipeg Film Group and is a member of the Open City Cinema Collective (The Winnipeg Underground Film Festival).
From Picture Lock to File Preservation: The Lifespan of an Independent Short Film will take place on July 23, 2026 from 3:00pm-4:00pm.
Click HERE to get your tickets!
Visit the GIFF website for more information on Global Industry Summit events and to view the film program.
