CSIF encourages the creation of local work with our production stream and exhibits it in member night screenings, festivals, themed calls, and exchanges. We also show non-local Canadian and international films.  By screening local and international works side-by-side, we create a context in which local artists are viewed with the same high standards as international ones.  Our exhibition of high quality local, national, and international media artworks also increases public awareness and dialogue about film as an art form.  Our production and programming policies are inclusive, which ensures that local work and the work that is imported to Calgary contains a range of perspectives, cultural, and social backgrounds.   Screening such works in our regular programming encourages diversity in everything that we do, and increases dialogue about minority media arts; it supports the validity of their work in their particular genre as well as the place of their work in the general context of film.  

We advocate for and adhere to national standards for artist fees and professional exhibition. We do not require entry fees for submissions, which allows us to receive entries from filmmakers of all levels and backgrounds - not just the ones that can or are willing to pay entry fees.  We also program quality films with an impartial jury process.   Professional exhibition of these strong works ensures that CSIF has a great reputation among filmmakers for screening works the way that the films should be seen, and respect among audiences for professional presentations, with few technical difficulties and an immersive viewing experience of the films.

The creation of dialogue is the final goal in our programming. Without the participation of our audiences, it is impossible to have a successful presentation.  We use critical writing in program guides and other publications as a medium to explain the program and the possibilities of dialogue around the theme/ content.  Programmers, curators and media artists contribute the written content, which helps to give the public several professional viewpoints about the program.  The texts are written in a way that is accessible and clear, while still coming from a challenging artistic viewpoint.  Through this discourse with our audiences, we create viewers that are more alert, questioning and interested in film as an art form.  They develop appreciation for film, and are encouraged to create their own art works, which continues the cycle through our production and future programming.

Programming Schedule 2011-2012

APRIL
April 12 - Classic Film Screening; 7pm @ CSIF Sofa Cinema
April 28 - AMAAS Arts Party Spirit of Helen Fundraiser; 7pm at EMMEDIA Screening Room (#203
, 351 – 11 Ave. SW.)

MAY
May 10 - Classic Film Screening; 7pm @ CSIF Sofa Cinema
May 19 - CSIF & Cinematheque Collaboration "The Birds" & "Double Take" double feature; 7pm to 11:15pm @ the Plaza Theatre

JUNE
June 14 - Classic Film Screening; 7pm @ CSIF Sofa Cinema
June 24-26 - AMAAS Conference - Hinton, AB
June 27-29 - CSIF AGM date to be confirmed

JULY
July 12 - Classic Film Screening; 7pm @ CSIF Sofa Cinema

AUGUST
August 9 - Classic Film Screening; 7pm @ CSIF Sofa Cinema

SEPTEMBER
September 13 - Classic Film Screening; 7pm @ CSIF Sofa Cinema

OCTOBER
October 11 - Classic Film Screening; 7pm @ CSIF Sofa Cinema

NOVEMBER
November 8 - Classic Film Screening; 7pm @ CSIF Sofa Cinema

DECEMBER
December 13 - Classic Film Screening; 7pm @ CSIF Sofa Cinema

JANUARY
January 10 - Classic Film Screening; 7pm @ CSIF Sofa Cinema

FEBRUARY
February 14 - Classic Film Screening; 7pm @ CSIF Sofa Cinema

MARCH
March 1-3 - $100 Film Festival
March 13 - Classic Film Screening; 7pm @ CSIF Sofa Cinema