Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers

Established in 1978, the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) is an inclusive, non-profit,
arts-based society that exists to encourage filmmaking as art, reflecting and challenging our changing cultural landscape through the production and exhibition of the filmmaker.
CSIF artists are encouraged and supported in their creative endeavors, and independent film is celebrated within the local, regional, national and international communities. The CSIF is a champion for equality as well as the dignity of the artists, and ensures fairness and access to its resources and programs. We are a community hub in Calgary for media arts practice and exhibition, connecting artists to each other as well as to audiences.
Production Mandate
The CSIF creates a cultural space where filmmakers can learn, develop, and produce in an environment free from commercial pressures. CSIF provides affordable equipment rentals for independent production as well as offers technical workshops and artistic seminars for media artists at a variety of skill levels. CSIF stimulates local productions through direct or partnered funding opportunities for Calgary’s independent media arts community. Through all of its production support activities CSIF aims to generate new film work with artistic integrity that achieves the vision of the independent artist.
Exhibition Mandate
CSIF orients members, as well as the community at large, to the notion of film as a “media-arts language” by showcasing historical, contemporary and local works. CSIF’s programming aims to stimulate discussion among audiences through critical writing, live dialogue, and online mediated discourse. CSIF exhibitions educate both local media artists and the public about contemporary innovations in national and international independent filmmaking practice. In addition, CSIF strives to create exhibition opportunities for member artists to present work in a professional context.