ABOUT THE CSIFThe Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers is one of main sources of independent film making in Calgary, CANADA. They often work in collaboration with some of the other artist-run centres in Calgary to create events that will prompt public interest in indie-films. They hold several regular public events on their own, including the $100 Film Festival annually in March, artist talks and lectures, film screenings and much more.
They offer production facilities for their members and are a good source for information on production in Calgary, other artist run centres and funding.
The Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers started in 1978, when twelve local filmmakers and artists collaborated to form the CSIF as a response to a growing interest in film production and need for equipment and resources. As their funding increased in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and as their reputation and membership grew, so did interest in learning the techniques of 8 mm and 16 mm filmmaking, and they workshops were introduced to increase membership skill level and to encourage more use of those mediums.
Two important aspects of CSIF’s current activities were established in the early 1990's. This included the distribution of National Film Board production funding for local film projects, and exhibition of local independent film through the creation of The $100 Film Festival in 1991. The $100 Film Festival focused on low-budget production of movies using Super 8 film, with a budget of $100, and later the budget was increased to include 16 mm film. However the festival still embodies the spirit of low-budget filmmaking. Many CSIF members have gone on to success in the Canadian independent film industry, aided by the CSIF’s focus on production, exhibition, and providing resources such as workshops and information sharing. Present CSIF members are still benefiting from this focus and, as their technical needs diversify and change, the CSIF attempts to keep up with these changes.
CSIF EVENTS
Exhibition of independent Canadian film has grown with the success of the $100 Film Festival every year and the success of the Visiting Artists’ series that both informs and inspires Calgary area filmmakers. The audience for film in Calgary has diversified as well so in 1998, the CSIF partnered with the Gay and Lesbian Services Community Association to present the first annual FairyTales International Queer Film Festival. Just as the $100 Film Festival has grown to accommodate the increasing audience for independent film, so has the FairyTales Film Festival, which was turned into its own non-profit society in 2005. In the past, the CSIF has also partnered with other artist-run galleries in Calgary, including Truck Gallery, The New Gallery and Calgary Cinematheque. They regularly bring in visiting artists and hold film screenings at their Sofa Cinema screening facility. The steady increase in membership and the increased demands on resources were the impetus for change in 2002 when the CSIF moved out of its downtown location to a larger facility in the Currie Barracks. Building J2 houses a screening facility, two editing suites, a 16mm and Super8 film library and a members’ area with computer and internet access.
?The Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers is a non-profit, artist-run society that exists to encourage film making as art. Through exhibitions and community outreach they strive to increase the public awareness of the CSIF, its Producing Members and their work. The CSIF is structured in a way that enables filmmakers to learn, develop and practice film making in an environment free from box office pressure. This ensures that the integrity of product is secured and allows for the development of a strong local film scene.
?The CSIF maintains an ongoing schedule of independent film and media arts exhibitions, that includes two annual film festivals; The $100 Film Festival and the Fairy Tales International Queer Film Festival. These events act as the CSIF's marquee programming events and since their establishment as alternatives for audiences who search out challenging and creative films, these two festivals have highlighted many local filmmakers and have also drawn attention national and international talent. With the introduction of the Visiting Artist screenings and lectures, many films that have never been seen in Calgary are now getting a chance for increased exposure.
The CSIF encourages volunteering in the spirit of the it's co-operative nature. Volunteers continue to provide direction to the society through their input on committees and their work on events like the $100 Film Festival, Fairy Tales, the CSIF's 25th Anniversary celebration, work on AnswerPrint , maintainence of the libraries and assistance in administrative duties. Volunteer opportunities also include participating on members film projects exist at the CSIF. Volunteers are the backbone of the organization, and their energy and vitality significantly contribute to CSIF's success and continued growth.
For more information on the CSIF and to find out about their upcoming events, look at their website: www.csif.org
