SAULT STE. MARIE—Weengushk Film Institute (WFI) and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG) have announced a new partnership, gathering on February 12 to unveil details of the Certificate in Short Film Production program that will be starting this fall at Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig in Sault Ste. Marie.
The launch of this program marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between WFI and SKG. The program will commence on September 22 and run until July 2026.
The announcement event provided 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 WFI vice president Nano Debassige. “We are proud to be offering this program in collaboration with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, empowering students to tell stories that inspire and resonate.”
During the unveiling, attendees learned bout the program’s curriculum, its emphasis on Indigenous knowledge, and how it will prepare students for careers in media arts. The event also highlighted the importance of storytelling as a tool for cultural preservation and creative expression.
Lab 1 of the 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 WFI 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 is now open, and more details can be found at weengushk.com and shingwauku.org.
