Meet the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers, a nonprofit that has been a crucial resource for local filmmakers since 1978. Its mission? “To fuel filmmakers, support storytellers, and connect the cinematic community.”
In this Q&A, Kyle Marshall, a filmmaker and CSIF’s Program Director, offers valuable insights into the organization and shares his perspective on Calgary’s film scene.
What first sparked your passion for film, and how did your career in the industry unfold?
“Two big moments got me into the film. When I was four, my parents took me to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on this huge screen. I fell in love with that magical world right there. Then, at 16, I caught the TV special “AFI’s 100 Years…100 Movies”. It just blew the doors open for me in a major way. I became obsessed, wanting to learn everything about how films are made, the history, all of it.
“When I moved to Calgary in 2005, I took on the volunteer role of production assistant. I have also been making YouTube short documentaries for about 10 years, which has taught me a lot about editing and lighting. Then, a friend doing my current job suggested I apply here at CSIF.”
Could you tell us more about your role as CSIF program director and how CSIF supports local filmmakers?
“As a program director at CSIF, my role involves managing both the educational and exhibition aspects of our programming. On the education side, this includes organizing workshops, networking events, and interviews with filmmakers. On the exhibition side, I oversee member screenings and public screenings and lead discussions.
“We offer workshops where filmmakers can learn new skills, provide equipment rentals, and create opportunities to meet their next collaborators. We also guide them on who they should be talking to if they’re looking for a producer, writer, or actor.
“Another big part of our support is our monthly Hangout event! For instance, this September, we’re hosting it at the [Calgary] International Film Festival. It’s a chance for any local filmmaker to come, learn a bit more about CSIF, connect with people, and start collaborations.
“One thing that sometimes confuses people is that CSIF is not making movies: Our purpose is to help you make a movie.”
How would you characterize the current state of filmmaking in Calgary? What unique challenges do local filmmakers face?
“I think the current state of filmmaking in Calgary is good, but it could be better. There are so many talented people who are still in the amateur
phase. They haven’t been able to get onto a set, direct, or produce their work. Sometimes, that’s a bit of a failure to see where the talent is and support them.
“Calgary also suffers from the fact that we have these two big centers in Canada: Vancouver and Toronto. The mentality, which was true for many years, is if you wanted to get to the next level, you had to go to Vancouver or Toronto. That was the reality, and it probably still technically is.
“But I’m very optimistic about the future. Observing some of the Hollywood productions coming through and some creatives who want to stay in Calgary, I think we can support the industry here. I’m personally committed to supporting not just individual filmmakers but the entire industry.
“There’s a famous saying: ‘A rising tide lifts all ships.’ When everyone is working at a higher level, it makes the entire community better.”
Are any emerging trends or genres particularly strong in Calgary’s film scene? How important is it for filmmakers to align with these trends?
“Oftentimes, by the time you see that the trend is happening, it’s too late to jump onto it in filmmaking. It’s always a losing battle. So it’s way better just to focus on what you are interested in and make it the best you can.
“What I’ve noticed for established filmmakers in Calgary is that we feed into the perception of what Calgary is. We do westerns, or what we would call neo-westerns. You don’t even have to wear a cowboy hat, but it feels like it’s a western.
“However, I’ve also noticed another thing ― showcasing all the complexities of Calgary. There are so many different voices that are not heard or even thought of outside of the city. And I’ll just throw the name here ― Gillian McKercher, whose new film “Lucky Star,” will be playing at the Calgary International Film Festival and the Vancouver Film Festival. The film is about an immigrant’s experience of coming into the city and finding themselves within Calgary. I see a lot of filmmakers tackling that subject.
“Calgary is not just white and male.”
How do you envision the future of independent filmmaking in Calgary?
“I think we are in for another huge spike in the popularity of independent films.
“When I go to the movie theatre now and watch something a little bit more under the radar, I see more and more people. I know it’s anecdotal, but even online, people talk about smaller or midsize projects more than the latest superhero film.
“I don’t know when that’s going to happen specifically. I would say within the next couple of years if I was going to bet on it.”
Based on your experience, what advice would you give aspiring filmmakers just starting their journey?
“My suggestion sounds easy but is incredibly hard: stop worrying about making something perfect. Just go and make something: pick a weekend, find people, and start the process going.
“Sometimes, you have to switch your idea down to something manageable or take just one or two pages of your larger project and see how it works.
“People wait for the perfect moment too long.”
Finally, what is the purpose of a filmmaker or, taking a broader view, any artist in today’s society?
“I think the purpose of an artist is to make you feel something… and that could mean a vast number of different things. It doesn’t mean you have to feel inspired. It doesn’t mean you have to feel sad.
“The hardest thing when you describe yourself as an artist is knowing that some people just won’t like your work, no matter what. But as long as you can make someone out there feel something, you’ve done your job.”
Kyle Marshall can be found on social media @thekylemarshall. For more information on CSIF, visit csif.org and follow @thecsif
Kyle’s Movie Picks
Canadian Classics:
Jesus of Montreal (1989)
My Uncle Antoine (1971)
My Winnipeg (2007)
Waydowntown (2000)
I Killed My Mother (2009)
Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001)
For Aspiring Filmmakers
El Mariachi (1992)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Citizen Kane (1941)
Straight Up (2019)
