About
OUR STORY
CSIF was founded in 1978 by a collective of twelve filmmakers who saw the growing need for film resources and film equipment on the traditional Treaty 7 territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Iyarhe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), also known as Calgary, Alberta.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, funding was established through the Canada Council for the Arts, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Calgary Region Art Foundation to provide the equipment and resources for independent filmmakers in Calgary. Memberships grew as did interest in learning the techniques of 8mm and 16mm filmmaking so workshops were introduced to increase the skill level of members.
In 1998 CSIF partnered with the Gay and Lesbian Services Community Association to present the first annual FairyTales International Queer Film Festival which has become one of the leading LGBT film festivals in Canada.
Many of our members have gone on to excel in the Canadian independent film industry due to their hard work and imagination, aided by CSIF’s focus on production, exhibition and providing resources such as workshops and information sharing. Members today are still benefiting from this focus and, as their technical needs diversify and change, CSIF attempts to keep up with these changes.
Now in our 45th year of operation, we are an integral part of the growing cultural community in Calgary and are excited about new collaborations and opportunities.
EMBRACE DIVERSITY
CSIF acknowledges and honours the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We aim to be an environment where anyone can have access to a variety of resources (workshops, grants, equipment) to tell their unique story through film.
CELEBRATE THE GEEK
CSIF embodies and embraces the film geek. From knowing all about the latest and greatest developments in technology to celebrating the art of film past and present, we are a community of like-minded people willing to share and grow our passion for film.
MENTOR EACH OTHER
CSIF board and staff are committed to mentoring one another and our members. Whether through a workshop, an info session, or taking time to show someone how to use gear, CSIF is a place to become better at what we do and who we are.
WORK & PLAY SERIOUSLY
CSIF acknowledges and honours the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We aim to be an environment where anyone can have access to a variety of resources (workshops, grants, equipment) to tell their unique story through film.
OUR Mission
The Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers exists to fuel filmmakers, support storytellers, and connect the cinematic community.
The Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) is a non-profit, artist-run center for independent filmmakers located in Calgary (Mohkinstsis). CSIF provides low cost access to filmmaking workshops, rental equipment, facilities, mentorship, and programming.
CSIF operates on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3. This land is vital to our filmmaking endeavors, and we aim to honor it and support it’s descendants as artists.