WFG SPRING 2025 MFM POST/PRODUCTION FUND RECIPIENTS
We are excited to announce the following recipients as part of the first 2025 cycle of the MFM Post/Production Fund:
Annie Kierans was awarded $1,000 in WFG Services for “Making Ends Meet”.
Annie Kierans (she/her) is a filmmaker and visual artist originally from Kjipuktuk/ Halifax. She has contributed to community-based film projects and educational initiatives from the Atlantic to the Subarctic with organizations including Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, Klondike Institute of Art and Culture, Jimmy’s Place Artist’s Collective, Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, and the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative.
Colten Matousek was awarded $1,000 in WFG Services for “My Deda’s Paintings”.
Colten Matousek is a up and coming filmmaker whose work mostly resolves around documentary and short form narrative films. His documentary “DERS” has been selected for two festivals. His next short film “ A Rey Of Sunshine” will release later this summer.
Kara Swayze was awarded $2,000 in cash for “Keyless”.
Kara Swayze is a self-taught, independent filmmaker from Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty 1 Territory. Her work explores themes of sexuality and gender, with a focus on feminist and neurodiverse perspectives throughout the filmmaking process.
While achieving her B. A. in Women and Gender Studies at the University of Manitoba, Kara developed a deep appreciation for the impact of small scale stories on challenging and expanding our worldviews. She now aims to create work that invites nuanced conversations, regardless of genre or form.
Kara is honoured to receive support from Winnipeg Film Group and Manitoba Film and Music for her project Keyless, and looks forward to sharing it with audiences this summer.
Sarah Luby was awarded $2,000 in cash for “SILENT SONATA”.
Sarah Luby is a Winnipeg-based filmmaker, actor, and singer, deeply proud of her prairie roots. She is honored to receive support from The WFG’s Manitoba Film and Music Production Fund for her debut short film, Silent Sonata. Grounded in values of inclusivity and kindness, Sarah’s work explores themes of visibility, social norms, and the beauty of difference. Her creative voice often blends music, movement, and film into a single, expressive language.
Most recently, Sarah served as Apprentice Producer on Normal, a feature led by Bob Odenkirk and written by John Wick creator Derek Kolstad. As a performer, she has appeared in projects for Crave, CTV, Hallmark, CBS, CBC, Netflix, and Universal.
Sarah began her artistic journey in theatre and holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the Desautels Faculty of Music. Her study of opera—and the forgotten contributions of women composers throughout history—inspired the story behind Silent Sonata, merging her love of storytelling with a commitment to visibility and representation.
Sidney Phommarath was awarded $2,000 in cash for “Bridging the Gap”.
Sidney Phommarath is a Lao-Canadian filmmaker from Winnipeg, MB. She graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a degree in Filmmaking and a minor in Human Rights. She has worked in the film industry for 5 years and has produced 6 short documentaries through the CBC Creator Network. She has a passion for compelling and authentic storytelling that she shares through documentary filmmaking.
Simon Jaynes was awarded $1,000 in WFG Services for “AWEN”.
Simon Jaynes is a seasoned media professional with over 20 years of experience in corporate and broadcast production. Having built a successful career creating polished, high-quality content for major brands and broadcasters, Simon is now focused on telling more important, personal stories. His journey through challenges like burnout and major life changes has deeply influenced his creative vision, fueling his passion to produce impactful films that resonate on a human level. This drive led him to self-produce Awen, a documentary exploring themes of healing, transformation, and resilience.
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Several submissions were received for this cycle of the award, and were juried by a peer assessment committee comprised of filmmakers Émilie Michalik and Cody Blacksmith.
THE WINNIPEG FILM GROUP ACKNOWLEDGES MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC FOR GRACIOUSLY FURNISHING THE CASH COMPONENT OF THE AWARDS.
