Lights, Camera, and Co-op
Independent film has always thrived on passion, collaboration, and creativity. At the Saskatchewan Filmpool Cooperative, those values are woven into every frame—because the organization itself is built on cooperation.
Since 1977, the Filmpool has been dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers and artists across Saskatchewan and the numbered Treaties in which it operates. As a cooperative, it provides access to production equipment, film and sound editing facilities, and a welcoming community where emerging and established creators alike can bring their visions to life.
The Impact
Over the years, the Filmpool has become a hub for Saskatchewan’s film culture. Members benefit from funding opportunities, workshops, and screenings, while the co-op’s magazine, Splice, keeps the community connected and inspired. More than just a resource centre, the Filmpool is a space where independent voices are amplified and celebrated.
“The co-op model matters because our members have a stake in our organization. They know they have a voice in how we can better serve their needs, and that we can advocate for filmmakers all across Saskatchewan.”
By choosing the cooperative model, the Filmpool ensures that the people it serves—filmmakers themselves—are also the ones shaping its future. This structure empowers members to influence programming, resources, and advocacy, creating a cultural institution that grows and evolves with its community. For nearly five decades, the Saskatchewan Filmpool has proven that co-ops aren’t just about business—they’re about building movements, telling stories, and making sure every voice has a place on the screen.
Why Co-op?
The cooperative structure allows the Filmpool to stay grounded in its mission: supporting independent filmmaking in Saskatchewan. Unlike traditional organizations, the co-op model gives filmmakers a say in the decisions that affect them, ensuring their needs and creative visions remain at the heart of the work.
Why It Matters
The Saskatchewan Filmpool Cooperative demonstrates how co-ops can support not just economic goals, but cultural ones too. By giving filmmakers the tools, resources, and collective voice they need, it ensures that local stories continue to be told—and that independent film in Saskatchewan has a strong, sustainable future.
Partner Spotlight
This story is shared in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association (SCA), which works to strengthen and support co-ops across the province.
Want to explore more co-op solutions? Visit our Co-op Resources page for tools, guides, and ways to get involved.