Features

After seven years with the Winnipeg Film Group, Mike Maryniuk isn’t lacking in sage reflection.

To paraphrase a fellow filmmaker: "The Film Group will always be and will continue to be a place to make a shitty film," says Maryniuk, now the outgoing WFG production coordinator. "I’ve certainly made many myself."

The quality of his output has improved: just this past fall, his expanded documentary short The Yodeling Farmer — a collaboration with Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club owner John Scoles — played the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival; the previous year, his experimental short Cattle Call — co-directed by former Winnipeg auteur Matthew Rankin — played the same fest, one of cinema’s most prestigious.

All of which really underlines the WFG’s importance, Maryniuk continues. "You should be able to make a shitty film and not be judged," he says.

That’s not to say, of course, that the films featured at the upcoming WFG Member Premieres this Sunday — which will also honour Maryniuk’s tenure — are shitty. The line-up of films, some publicly screening for the first time, nicely showcases the WFG as an invaluable resource for emerging filmmakers of all ages,  cut their chops and express their artistic personalities.

Take young Michael Kluthe, who first moved to Manitoba from Red Deer, Alta. this past spring, and whose drama Evelynn screens this weekend. "I like to tell stories that not only entertain, but perhaps challenge people," he says of his own filmmaking sensibilities.

For that matter, it’s also about setting challenges for himself. Funded with assistance from Red Deer College, Eveylnn was inspired by a sad song Kluthe heard on the radio. "That was the germ," he says. "I wondered, ‘Could I do that as a film? Could I make people feel the same way?’ Whereas usually my thought process is like, ‘Oh, this would make a good idea for a story.’"

The story, concerning a delicate emotional triangle between a husband, wife and the surrogate carrying their child, would continue to evolve through the film’s making, with the ending even being re-shot and re-edited "for dramatic emotional impact."

"Even though I’m still exploring and learning my craft, I like challenges," Kluthe says. Furthermore, he likes to base his writing on his "own moral compass"; in the case of Evelynn, ethical choice lies at the story’s direct centre.

"I don’t want to be preachy, though," he adds. "I’d prefer to leave the audience with the question"

In stark contrast to Kluthe’s realism is veteran artist Daniel Hrishkewich’s stop-animation short Dream Skate, which already played the Gas Station as part of Winnipeg Horror Cinema in late October. The macabre, surrealistic film ("I look at it more as surreal than macabre," he chuckles) is the latest product of the filmmaker’s foray into animation, which began but four short years ago.

"Tim Burton’s one of my biggest influences," says Hrishkewich, who’s worked in sculpture, painting and photography for the past three decades; in particular, the artist cites the Burton-produced The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Corpse Bride (2005).

"When it comes to stop-motion, I’m basically self-taught," Hrishkewich says. "I just decided to try it.

"I like bringing all the various areas of my fine arts background together. There’s a three-dimensional quality to the world you create, with space and physical elements. It’s a rewarding challenge."

Maryniuk has had the privilege and excitement of seeing new artistic voices arise. "Some of the most gifted filmmakers are the ones who aren’t necessarily always around," he says — or even succeeded in getting WFG funding. Filmmakers such as Steven Kostanski, now relocated to Toronto, whose DIY, special effects-heavy feature debut Manborg had its Canadian premiere at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival in October.

"Steven is just an amazingly creative filmmaker who’s hellbent on getting it done," Maryniuk says. Another voice he’s been thrilled to watch develop is that of Darryl Nepinak, whose film I for NDN — co-directed with former Winnipeg filmmaker Clint Enns — will also screen Sunday.

"The WFG provides great opportunity for encouragement and dialogue," Maryniuk concludes. Which is always needed, of course, should any results prove shitty.

The Winnipeg Film Group Member Premieres and Holiday Party takes place at 7 p.m., Dec. 4, at the Gas Station Arts Centre. Tickets are $10.