You love getting lost in a film.
Discover why a scene stays with you. Look closer at characters, conflict and the choices behind the camera. Find the words for what you see.
Winnipeg
Think cinema.
Create what comes next.
GS Film Minds brings people together through film education, screenwriting and shared discovery. Explore how films work, develop your own ideas and connect through courses, workshops and film events.
A deeper understanding.
A story of your own.
Two reasons to join. One shared programme of film analysis, discussion and creative practice.
You have a story to explore.
Give your ideas shape. Work on a character, a conflict and a clear direction, then develop a logline and synopsis with feedback along the way.
Upcoming Course
Screenwriting Lab — Level 1
Film Analysis & Screenwriting
Starts November 24, 2026
Tuesdays, 6:30–9:30 p.m. · Winnipeg time
Start from zero. Explore how characters, conflict, structure, and visual storytelling work in film, then use these tools to develop your own film idea.
WHO WILL TEACH THE COURSE?
Meet Your Instructor
Julia Sharipova
Film Producer · Educator · Founder of GS Film Minds
Julia Sharipova is a film producer and educator with extensive experience in film education, production, distribution, and project development.
She studied Film and Television Production at VGIK (Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography) in Moscow and completed the Kultburo Producers’ Lab. Her professional experience includes producing fiction and documentary films, working in film distribution, teaching film studies, and developing educational programs for emerging filmmakers.
Julia founded and led Midpoint Film School for seven years, where hundreds of students studied screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and producing.
She has also worked as a film festival selector and industry expert, evaluating films and projects, and as a trainer and project expert at film pitching events. Her work has involved script and project development, with a particular focus on screenwriting, directing, story structure, character, visual storytelling, and script editing.
In Canada, Julia’s work and volunteer experience includes the Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, Gimli International Film Festival, U Multicultural Channel, Dave Barber Cinematheque, Théâtre du Molière, and Storybridge Network. Through these organizations, she has contributed to film, media, and cultural initiatives in Winnipeg and Manitoba. She founded GS Film Minds to bring her experience in film education and project development to a new community in Canada.
Her teaching approach combines film analysis with practical story development — understanding how films work and using that knowledge to develop your own ideas.
Screenwriting Lab
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions?
Please contact us for more information.
Do I need previous filmmaking or screenwriting experience?
No. The Screenwriting Lab is designed for beginners, but participants with previous experience are also welcome.
Do I need to have a film idea before the course starts?
No. You can start from zero. During the course, you will develop your own film idea and work on its logline and synopsis.
What will I have by the end of the course?
By the end of the six-session program, you will have a developed film idea, a logline, a synopsis, and a clear direction for developing your project further.
How long is the course?
The course includes six sessions, three hours each, for a total of 18 hours.
When does the next Screenwriting Lab take place?
Tuesdays, 6:30–9:30 p.m. (Winnipeg time). November 24, December 1 and December 8, 2026; January 12, January 19 and January 26, 2027. Holiday break after December 8; classes resume January 12.
Is the course online or in person?
The English-language Screenwriting Lab group is held in person in Winnipeg.
How do I apply?
Click Apply and complete the course application form, then proceed directly to payment through Stripe. No separate approval is required before paying. Your place is confirmed after successful payment, subject to availability.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting the application form, return to the Screenwriting Lab course page and pay immediately using the Stripe payment link. Use the same email address for your application and payment. Your place is confirmed after successful payment, subject to availability.
Do you offer courses for teenagers?
Courses for teenagers are currently in development. We’ll share more details on our website soon.
SELECTED PROJECTS
Russia · Ukraine · Europe | 2015–2024
Selected projects led by GS Film Minds founder Julia Sharipova before launching GS Film Minds in Canada.
