Matthew Shoup isn’t waiting for graduation to start winning awards.
The 20-year-old Red River Métis filmmaker, who is in his third year of studies at UWinnipeg, ended 2025 on a high note, scooping up two awards in three weeks.
His work ethic, storytelling acumen, and strong sense of identity and place have made the emerging talent one to watch in Manitoba’s burgeoning film industry.
In November, Matthew received the Artistic Visual award at the 2025 Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards (MIYAA) gala. In December, the National Screen Institute (NSI) announced him as the inaugural recipient of the $2,000 Joy Loewen Storytellers Award, named after the organization’s former CEO.
All of my work is inspired by the unique culture, landscapes, and history we have here.
Matthew Shoup
“We are honoured to recognize Matthew as the first recipient,” Christine Kleckner, Executive Director of the Winnipeg-based NSI, said in a release. “His passion for storytelling, resilience and creative drive embody everything this award celebrates.”
Matthew’s awards didn’t come as a surprise to Lise Raven, Associate Professor in UWinnipeg’s Department of Theatre and Film, who teaches the capstone Filmmaking II course.
“Matthew is a talented and generous filmmaker,” Prof. Raven said. “He shares his knowledge, experience, and time with other students.”
Deep roots, contemporary perspective
Matthew is a 2024 alumnus of CBC New Indigenous Voices, which is run by NSI. He credits the program with launching his career, and encourages other up-and-coming Indigenous filmmakers to apply.
Matthew’s Métis identity shapes his approach to filmmaking. For him, filmmaking isn’t just about what stories are told; it’s also about who’s doing the telling.
“I’m always inspired by our past, present, and future [as Métis people]. I’m dedicated to showcasing Indigenous talent both onscreen and behind the camera. I want to ensure that stories about us are being told by us.”
Matthew’s interest in film began at a young age. In high school, he produced a documentary short on Michif French language.
“I’ve always loved movies, and have always wanted to be part of them,” he said. “I love everything about them. There’s something so magical about them, and I’ve always found myself chasing that magic and seeing where it leads me.”
Growing up, his favourite two storytellers were his grandmother, author Arlene Chapman, and Star Wars creator George Lucas.
In November, when Matthew walked onstage at the MIYAA gala, he dedicated his award to Chapman, who overcame adversity and hardship and encouraged Matthew to be proud of his heritage.
“She is my biggest cheerleader, my biggest inspiration, and the strongest woman that I know,” Matthew said.
In addition to his full-time studies, Matthew also works as a post-production supervisor at Winnipeg’s Wookey Films.
“I like to tell stories about Manitoba,” Matthew said. “All of my work is inspired by the unique culture, landscapes, and history we have here. I think for stories to be authentic, the author needs to be connected to them in a personal way. So for me, I pull everything from my surroundings and embed it into my work. This results in work that largely explores the LGBT experience, Michif culture, and Manitoban life.”
Matthew also likes his stories, even hard-hitting realistic dramas, to have a fantastical or surreal element.
“Without intending to, I seem to always include a bit of this in every project,” he said.
Matthew is currently working on a web series called In the Cards, produced by Quindent Productions, which he co-owns. He describes the series, available for free on YouTube, as “Heathers meets Euphoria meets Twin Peaks meets Manitoba.”
He plans to use the $2,000 from the Joy Loewen Storytellers Award to make his next project, Une rêve de sainte Jeanne d’Arc (A Dream of St. Joan).
“I can’t say much just yet, but it’s a project on a grander scale and level of quality than anything I’ve attempted before,” Matthew said. “I’m very excited to begin working on it.”
After he graduates in 2027, Matthew plans to continue working in the Manitoba film industry.
“All of my projects are so distinctly Manitoban and inspired by our culture, landscapes, and history, that I don’t think I can make them anywhere other than right here at home. And I wouldn’t change that fact for the world.”
To learn more about filmmaking at UWinnipeg, visit the department’s website.
