PLAYGROUNDS

BY MIA NICHOL
WILLIAM WHYTE

"Playgrounds" explores the concept of utopia through the eyes of a child in the William Whyte neighbourhood. “Utopia” can mean a place where things are good. The film highlights the simple joys of childhood, where good means being with friends, playing in the park, and biking freely through the streets. These everyday experiences create a kind of utopia for the child, where boundaries and divisions fade away, and the world is filled with endless possibilities for play and exploration. The film celebrates the importance of community spaces in fostering a sense of belonging and happiness, in the most unlikely of circumstances.

EUTOPOS

BY ALYAA KABBANI
ELMWOOD

"Eutopos" was inspired by conversations with long-time residents. The departure of residents and the influx of new renters have disrupted a close-knit social fabric. The film intends to reflect on the changing demographics of the neighbourhood and by implication the challenges to its once strong sense of community. As homes become commodities, they are often marketed as some kind of pristine utopian space, eerily absent of signs of the people who once lived there. Change is inevitable in urban life, but the film reflects on what is lost through this process.

WALKING THROUGH HISTORY

BY MAYA HOPKINS
CENTRAL ST. BONIFACE

"Walking Through History" invites viewers on a journey through Central St. Boniface, a neighborhood steeped in French-Canadian and Métis culture. The film celebrates the utopian ideal of cultural preservation, showcasing historical monuments and the vibrant heritage of Manitoba. The presence of Louis Riel's legacy – who imagined Manitoba as a kind of utopia - underscores the community's commitment to honoring its past and maintaining its unique identity in the present.

 

DREAMLAND

BY ISAAC DIMA
NORWOOD WEST

"Dreamland" invites viewers to experience the unique character of Norwood West, a neighbourhood that blends urban convenience with a secluded, utopian atmosphere. The film highlights the transition from the bustling streets of St. Mary's Road to the tranquil residential areas, where the enclosure of canopies create a sense of separation from the outside world. The Radburn plan, with its exposed backyards and lush greenery, fosters a strong sense of community and suggests a self-contained society. The film celebrates the unique design and social fabric of Norwood West, but suggests another dimension to this enclosed, protected, insular environment.

THE RIVERVIEW FAMILY

BY TRISTAN THOMPSON
RIVERVIEW

The goal of this film is to bring light to the importance of the Riverview tree canopy, as well as the community spirit of the neighbourhood. As the film begins, a young girl experiences negative feelings about Winnipeg’s dying canopies. She is greeted by neighbours who inform her of a community gathering at the nearby Churchill Drive Park. As the girl makes her way to this gathering life begins to be restored to the environment around her. And at the centre of this little utopia is her new “family”, worshipping the vital trees of the community.

A LIVING LINK

BY SEAN STEPHENS
LORD ROBERTS

"A Living Link" showcases the transit-oriented development along the Fort Rouge railyard, offering a vision of a walkable, connected community. The film highlights the benefits of integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within walking distance of public transit, promoting sustainable urban growth and reducing reliance on private vehicles. This utopian vision of urban planning emphasizes community building and environmental consciousness, creating a model for future development in Winnipeg.

ALL BRIGHT: THE JOURNEY

BY NIGEL KUDAKWASHE MUSARA
EARL GREY

This film is a meditation on the importance of small everyday places where connection and neighborly support thrive. It traces the fimmaker’s path across the urban landscape as he travels to bingo night at the Earl Grey Community Centre. Over the footage we hear the voice of one of the bingo players, giving the film a genuine and personal touch. The trip across the city becomes more than just a physical journey; it represents the lengths people go to find places that embody the ideals of a utopia.

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