WINNIPEG, February 10, 2026 — In response to the continued growth of film production across Manitoba’s dynamic screen industry, The Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC) and Film Training Manitoba (FTM) are proud to announce the launch of the first Prairie-based CSC Hub.
Known as the CSC Manitoba Hub (in partnership with FTM), the Hub will serve as a new centre for professional engagement, skills development, and training opportunities for CSC members and other film professionals seeking to advance their careers within the industry.
“Film Training Manitoba has an excellent reputation and proven track record for delivering highly innovative and effective skills development initiatives – from Canada’s Supporting Women in Film Trades (SWIFT) Conference to the internationally recognized Manitoba Northern & Diverse Creators Program, and through our work together on industry training like the CSC IndigiLens workshop for Indigenous cinematographers in Winnipeg,” said Lucy Kayumov, Executive Director, Operations, CSC.
“This new, ground-breaking establishment of the CSC Manitoba Hub is a partnership that represents a significant step forward in sharing technical expertise while expanding access to professional development opportunities for cinematographers in the Prairies. It aligns with the CSC’s strategy of strengthening regional presence through collaborative training, mentorship and inclusion initiatives that support local cinematographers and connect them to national networks,” said Byron Kent Wong, Executive Director, Strategy & Vision, CSC.
The CSC Manitoba Hub joins existing CSC Hub locations in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, and will be housed at FTM’s headquarters, located within the National Historic Site of Winnipeg’s Exchange District.
“The CSC and its leadership have been outstanding collaborators, and this ground-breaking partnership builds on our highly successful working relationship and joint investment in Manitoba and Canada’s screen-based industry,” said Adam Smoluk, Executive Director of Film Training Manitoba. “The CSC represents world-class film professionals who are deeply committed to sharing knowledge and strengthening Canada’s screen industry.”
Hosted at FTM, with support from the CSC, the upcoming documentary cinematography masterclass with CSC Associate Member Iris Ng will mark the launch of the new partnership. Throughout 2026, the CSC and FTM will present additional engagement and training sessions in Winnipeg. Additional supporting partners for the February sessions include DOC Manitoba and the FascinAsian Film Festival.
“The CSC Manitoba Hub represents a substantial investment in education, mentorship and our own fellowship of filmmakers. My experience teaching with FTM, the CSC and the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) has demonstrated just how powerful and effective a regionally-based training program can be. I hope that this initiative will have a lasting impact on all film technicians, cinematographers and data specialists working in the Prairies and beyond. The film business is quickly evolving into the digital/data business, and any instructions should be planned and presented with all eyes on the not-so-distant future,” said Mark Irwin CSC ASC, a close collaborator with both organizations.
About the Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC)
The Canadian Society of Cinematographers is a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1957 to foster the art and craft of cinematography and imaging professionals at all levels. CSC members work across feature films, documentaries, television series, specials, and commercials. Canadian directors of photography—who form the core of the Society’s membership—are recognized internationally among the best in the world. The CSC is largely volunteer-run and is committed to reflecting the diversity of its membership, with a mandate that emphasizes training, education, mentorship, and the dissemination of emerging technical and product knowledge.
About Film Training Manitoba (FTM)
Film Training Manitoba is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to supporting skills development, mentorship, and professional training for Manitoba’s film and television industry. Through workshops, masterclasses, and strategic industry partnerships, FTM helps build a skilled, adaptable, and inclusive screen-based workforce. FTM is a member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council Program, funded through Manitoba Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation. The organization collaborates closely with industry stakeholders to identify training needs and deliver workforce development initiatives that support Manitoba-based production companies and the broader screen sector.
Media Contact:
Jenna Paterson-Coutts
Communications Coordinator
Film Training Manitoba
P: 204. 989-9669 Ext. 1
jenna@filmtraining.mb.ca