ABOUT THE CSIF
The 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.
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