Self-funded yuletide yarn gives local talent valued screen time Winnipeg Free Press [Video]

In a way, you could call the short film Christmas at Doug’s a present for all Winnipeggers this holiday season, courtesy of its local writer-director Dean Harder, and his cast and crew.

Harder may be best recognized for his acting credits (Percy Vs. Goliath; My Awkward Sexual Adventure). But he qualifies as a true independent filmmaker: he largely funded the comedy himself, with a little financial help from ACTRA and its Member Initiated Production program.

“The actors union in Manitoba gives an opportunity to actors to be in short films together at a lower cost,” says Harder in a phone interview from New York City, where he has just showcased the film at the Iron Mule Short Comedy Film Festival. “They give you a little bit of money to help pay for insurance, basically.

“But it allows everyone to work a little bit more, get their chops in, and also create short films,” says Harder, who actually completed the film in the spring of 2023, and has …