Winnipeg, a city celebrated for its thriving arts scene, finds one of its strongest civic voices in the world of documentary film. Far from being simple entertainment, documentaries—and the festivals that highlight them—act as catalysts for community engagement, empathy, and local pride. They provide a unique “plus-value” to our cultural fabric, shining a light on untold stories and deepening our understanding of the shared human experience.

John Debono, documentary programmer for the 25th annual Gimli International Film Festival (GIFF), recently reflected on this dynamic. His first visit to Manitoba underscored the festival’s ability to connect global perspectives with local realities. Coming from Toronto’s bustling film scene, Debono described Gimli as “nice and chill,” a space “solely about the love of film.” That relaxed, yet passionate, environment is exactly what fosters meaningful engagement with the medium.

So what makes a documentary so impactful? For Debono, it’s about learning. “You get to learn so much about the world around you,” he says, emphasizing how documentaries reveal “what people on the ground are doing to enhance their communities.” In a complex world, these films provide vital context, allowing audiences to grasp nuanced issues and diverse perspectives that might otherwise remain hidden.

At GIFF, this philosophy guides the programming. Debono has no interest in “clickbaity content.” Instead, he seeks out films that “challenge audiences but also inspire them to go out there, learn more… and hopefully develop that extra sense of empathy and interest.” This emphasis on curiosity and compassion is where documentary film proves its true social value for Winnipeg.

That value is especially relevant here in Manitoba. Many of the documentaries featured at GIFF tackle pressing local issues while still resonating on a universal level. Take Agatha’s Almanac, for example—a story rooted just 40 minutes from Gimli that shows the power of hyper-local storytelling to connect deeply with nearby audiences. Or Endless Cookie, described as a “surreal, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt animated documentary” about two brothers navigating life between Toronto and Indigenous communities in Manitoba, blending the personal with the cultural in a way that expands understanding.

Other selections stretch far beyond provincial borders. Films like Snow Leopard Sisters (conservation efforts in Nepal), Coexistence My Ass (the Israeli-Palestinian conflict), and The Track (a Bosnian bobsled team overcoming war’s legacy) expose audiences to global struggles and triumphs. Together, they remind Winnipeg viewers that the challenges faced here are connected to a much larger human story.

As Debono notes, these films aren’t meant to evoke a quick tear or a fleeting sense of solidarity. The goal is for audiences to “think about what they just saw, really process it in a healthy, positive way, and then think about, okay, what can I do after this.” It’s a call not just to feel, but to act—a core civic contribution of documentary cinema.

Now celebrating its 25th year, GIFF continues to play a pivotal role in amplifying Manitoba voices while also situating them within global conversations. By showcasing local filmmakers alongside international work, the festival not only elevates the province’s stories but also inspires the next generation of storytellers.

Debono’s enthusiasm for Manitoba’s creative community is unmistakable. “I’m happy to do my part to really help bring awareness to these different stories and hopefully help audiences in Gimli, in Winnipeg, and across Manitoba understand the real talent that is here—and make sure it gets the proper support it needs.”

In doing so, GIFF reaffirms that documentary film is more than a genre. It is a vital tool for empathy, education, and positive change—one that strengthens Winnipeg’s identity as a place where meaningful stories are told, heard, and carried forward.