Mentorship Spotlight

Ready for Action

Mentorship pair Sean Garrity and Ethan Billard Dooley took part in our Professional Mentorship Program with a focus on filmmaking, producing and directing. Sean was in the process of working on his latest film and was able to bring Ethan along and discover what goes into making a film from start to finish. Sean also helped Ethan work on his own film script and process.

Ethan Billard Dooley

Ethan Billard Dooley began to make films over a decade ago, making parodies for history class and reenactments for english. Nowadays, it is his dream to be a feature film director. He was born and raised in Winnipeg, and is a recent graduate from the U of W filmmaking program. He has been involved with many small-budget short films productions here in Manitoba, in various positions beyond just directing. One of his most recent films “August Long” was nominated for multiple awards at the 2021 U of W film festival, including best screenplay.

Sean Garrity

“I Propose We Never See Each Other Again After Tonight” is the eighth feature from award-winning filmmaker, Sean Garrity. Based in Winnipeg, Garrity has been recognized for jury awards at the Toronto International Film Festival, Brussels, Hot Docs, Vancouver, and Las Vegas as well as numerous audience awards. His work has been selected by festivals including Toronto, Busan, South by SouthWest, Shanghai, Mannheim, Torino, Singapore, Melbourne, Mar del Plata, Taipei, Santa Barbara and Sao Paulo. The films have been translated into 15 languages, the subject of numerous remakes, and they have been distributed and broadcast around the world.

Sean Garrity (left) and mentee, Ethan Billard Dooley (right).

“To get a chance to ask a million questions to a director whose work I admire and see their process has been amazing and incredibly helpful to me as a filmmaker.”

- Ethan, on his mentorship experience

What have been your most positive takeaways from this mentorship session? Any favourite results or moments?

This mentorship has been phenomenal. To get a chance to ask a million questions to a director whose work I admire and see their process has been amazing and incredibly helpful to me as a filmmaker.

- Ethan

Invaluable programme that recognizes the blind spots of large institutional education, and fills those in with a more traditional, arguably more relevant, one-on-one model.

- Sean

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Discover More Film and Media Professionals

Gwendolyn Collins

Gwendolyn Collins (she/her) is a theatre and film actor, writer, producer, devised theatre creator and the Co-Artistic Producer of One Trunk Theatre based on Treaty 1 Territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has extensive experience overseeing film and theatrical projects from conception to final presentation. Having co-created many productions with One Trunk Theatre, Theatre Projects Manitoba and Green Kids Inc.
She has performed as an actor professionally for 14 years appearing on stage at Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Prairie Theatre Exchange, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, Winnipeg Jewish Theatre and Theatre by the River. She has toured theatre shows having traveled across the prairies in One Trunk Theatre productions, PTE Munsch shows, for Green Kids Inc, RMTC rural tour and for MTYP. She has taught and facilitated theatre workshops for youth at MTYP, The Winnipeg Storytelling Festival and for Green Kids Inc. She has championed rural collaborations such as Small Town Ghost Stories with artists from Arborg and Talking Roots with artists from Pinawa, Altona, Morden and Neubergthal. Gwen is a graduate of The University of Winnipeg’s BA Honours program in theatre, and has trained with Ghost River Theatre in Calgary.

Arlea Ashcroft

Arlea Ashcroft is a French Anishinaabe/Saulteaux multi-disciplinary artist from Treaty 1 Territory, with ancestral connections to Minegoziibe Anishinabe (Pine Creek First Nation). Her creations often explore themes of mixed-blood identity, cultural heritage, mental health, and gender dynamics. Her art serves as a platform for storytelling and activism, particularly advocating for Indigenous communities and addressing social issues.
Ashcroft's style is recognized for its punk rock aesthetic and raw, confrontational elements, often challenging Western artistic norms by portraying subjects with sharp, vibrant, and sometimes dissonant visuals. She integrates personal experiences, community narratives, and historical contexts to create works that are both visually striking and emotionally evocative.
Her work has received local, national, and international attention, not only for its artistic quality but also for its role in fostering dialogue around identity and resilience. Ashcroft's impact highlights the transformative power of art as a medium for truth-telling, continuing to channel her raw, rebellious energy into her visual, multimedia, music, and literary works. She is happiest chasing sunsets and camping fireside under the stars.

Melvin Daligdig

Melvin Daligdig is an emerging Filipino filmmaker and photographer whose work focuses on perseverance, community, and exploring the unknown. While Melvin's main inspirations have been action/adventure films like Kung Fu Hustle (2004) and Upgrade (2018) he has recently enjoyed branching into the comedy and horror genres because of shows like Dollface (2019) and anthology series like V/H/S/94 (2021). His work has been showcased at the International Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival, the Fascinasian Film Festival, the International Gimli film festival, and the Bali International Short Film Festival. Looking ahead, Melvin is excited to collaborate with other creatives to blend genres, push creative boundaries and inspire the next generation of creators.

Kamal Chioua

Kamal is a North African performer, creator, and, lover of the arts. He is a graduate of the University of Winnipeg’s, acting program. He also recently completed two wonderful years at The Village Conservatory. When he’s not gracing the stage Kamal enjoys long walks on the beach, candle light dinners, and late night Shawarma.
Recent Performance Credits Include: The Wizard of Oz (Rainbow Stage), The Velveteen Rabbit (MTYP), and, The Spencer Sisters (CTV)

Adira Carter

My name is Adira Carter, I live in Northern Thompson Manitoba, been here all my life. I like to capture the beauty of everyday life, especially the small details that we can often miss, I love doing this through Photography. I have entered many art shows and as I got older have progressed in that aspect, winning some here and there.
I also paint and draw in different styles, I love creating characters, I have painted murals with a friend as I enjoy working with other artists and collaborating, I love new projects that get my creativity going and a good iced coffee to go with it. I'm always up for a challenge when it comes to art.

Kyle Dingwall

Born and raised in Churchill, Kyle has returned to his hometown after leaving for college in the big city. Using technology to his advantage, Kyle has found a creative outlet by combining design software learned from his schooling with inspiration of the town he loves, creating custom wood working art pieces. With a background in manufacturing, Kyle produces laser-etched and engraved wood working pieces that represent the area and town he grew up in. Now branching into the arts world, Kyle helps present the town's artists and connecting them with other northern communities to promote local art in northern Manitoba.

Roy Mexted

I am a musician, songwriter, videographer, podcaster, and arts advocate based in Churchill, Manitoba. As the Northern Champions Coordinator with imagiNorthern, I work to support and expand the Northern Champions Network, helping artists, makers, and creative communities thrive. My role involves mentoring regional champions, supporting artist development, and helping grow the network's impact across the North.
I’m also an executive member of the Churchill Creative Collective, Churchill’s Winterruption Festival, Churchill Arts Council and Churchill Aurora Winterfest, where I help organize events, workshops, and performances. My passion lies in creating, performing, and lifting others up through the arts. I’ve been playing music for over 20 years, and my albums, Smiling Like a Sundog and an upcoming 2025 release, are inspired by the landscapes and stories of the North. I founded Churchill Entertainment, where I produce video content, live-stream events, and host the Churchill Chats Podcast to share local voices and perspectives.

Whether I’m performing live, documenting an event, or leading a workshop, I bring boundless energy and enthusiasm for creativity. My goal is to break down barriers to artistic expression and help others find new ways to share their stories.

Anna Schaible-Schur

Anna is a creative content marketer, writer, and multidisciplinary artist with a passion for storytelling in all its forms. She holds a Gold Medal Honours degree in Rhetoric, Writing, and Communications from the University of Winnipeg, where she developed a deep understanding of narrative structure, audience engagement, and the power of language.
With a background in marketing, Anna specializes in crafting compelling brand narratives, digital content, and strategic messaging that resonates. She is also an active participant in Creative Manitoba’s 2025 Mentorship Program in Scriptwriting, where she is refining her skills in character development and dialogue for the screen.
Beyond marketing and writing, Anna’s artistic pursuits extend to visual and print media, with a particular interest in linocut carving and design. Whether shaping stories through words, strategy, or imagery, she thrives on exploring human emotion and connection through creative expression.

Josephinen Hall

Josephine graduated from the academy of acting in the spring class of 2009. After devoting a few years to focus on her family and sewing career, Josephine had a sudden move to the town of Pinawa. Once settled in she came to learn that Pinawa is home to the Pinawa Players which is the oldest continuing amateur theatrical group in Manitoba.
Josephine accepted her first roll with the Pinawa Players in 2018 as Insector Goring in Ken Ludwig’s A Games Afoot. Post covid, Josephine was cast in Love, Loss and What I wore by Nora Ephron, Delia Ephron and Ilene Beckerman. In 2023 Josephine played Lucy in Norm Fosters On a First Name Basis. Recently Josephine was cast in the Ken Ludwig production of A Fox on the Fairway as Muriel Bingham.
When she’s not acting, Josephine is behind the camera as an amateur photographer. She can also be found in her private sewing studio designing the latest clothing attire. Wherever she is, her dream to act never fades.

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Creative Manitoba is located on Treaty 1 territory, the original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and the National homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge and pay respect to the ancestors and treaties made on these lands, by considering all our cultures, traditions, and the histories of colonialism, dispossession, and resistance as we create and learn together. We would also like to acknowledge that our water is sourced from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.