The Gimli International Film Festival returns July 22 to 26, 2026, with free nightly beach screenings, a new craft beverage garden, and expanded shuttle service for the thousands of film lovers who visit Manitoba’s largest film festival each summer.
Free fan-favourite RBC Sunset Screenings on the shore of Lake Winnipeg will feature the 25th anniversary of Shrek, back-to-back cult classics Raising Arizona and Jaws, the 10th anniversary of The Tragically Hip’s concert documentary Long Time Running, and a Sunday night showing of the original Night of the Living Dead. Attendees can bring snacks, a chair, or a beach blanket and enjoy films under the stars.
New this year, the GIFF Beverage Garden at the Welcome Centre will serve as a hub for mingling and offer drinks from four Manitoba craft producers: Interlake Brewing Co. from Gimli, Dead Horse Cider from Winkler, Brat Cat Mead Co. from Winnipeg, and Patent 5 Distillery from Winnipeg. A new Sobr Patio at the beach screening location will provide non-alcoholic options.
The festival shuttle now includes three stops in Winnipeg Beach, making it easier for visitors to get around. Ticket bundles have also been reworked to offer a Festival Pass, a 5-ticket bundle, and a 10-ticket bundle with more flexibility.
The 15th Annual RBC $15,000 Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition takes place Saturday, July 25, with a $15,000 prize plus in-kind awards including $5,000 in Cinelease rental gear, mentorship from the National Screen Institute Canada, $5,000 in Winnipeg Film Group studio rentals, and $3,000 in props and set pieces from Talon Production Services. Last year’s winner, Ande Brown, returns to premiere his film Half-Naked.
