Film festival partnership puts UCalgary students in spotlight of thriving industry

A partnership between the University of Calgary and the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is helping students call “Action!” on their future filmmaking careers. 

This collaboration offers students in UCalgary’s Film Studies program exclusive access to industry workshops and Q-and-A sessions, as well as a first-hand look into the filmmaking world. Running from Sept. 19 to 29, this partnership provides opportunities for them to play active roles, including hosting an interactive booth at the CIFF’s Industry Career Fair and engaging students in events that enhance their educational experience. 

“Our students are part of the next generation of Canadian filmmakers and industry workers,” says Dr. Julia Chan, PhD, assistant professor and Film Studies Program co-ordinator (interim). “The more homegrown talent we nurture and mentor, the stronger Calgary’s film industry will be. Our partnership helps create those connections and networks that make it easier for the community to grow and diversify.”​

CIFF highlights this year include several key events that directly involve UCalgary’s Film Studies students and alumni:

• Industry Week, held at the university’s Downtown Campus, will bring CIFF closer to students, providing them with direct access to industry professionals and networking opportunities.
• A workshop led by UCalgary alum Gillian McKercher, BSc (Eng)’13,  a Canadian writer, director, producer, and co-founder of Kino Sum Production, offering students a chance to learn from an experienced filmmaker with ties to both UCalgary and CIFF.

Learning opportunities at CIFF

CIFF, in partnership with UCalgary, offers students several exciting ways to engage with the local film community. One key event is the CFF Industry Career Fair, CIFF Career Fair, taking place at the Chinook Mall on Sept. 28, where the Film Studies program will host an interactive booth. Booth visitors can win swag by correctly answering trivia questions.

Through this partnership, CIFF is also providing industry passes that will be distributed to film students and through UCalgary’s Film Society. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the lucky winners to access industry-specific programming to help jump-start their careers. I’m really looking forward to hearing the students report back and tell us what they’ve learned,” says Chan.

Events such as workshops and Q-and-A sessions are invaluable for film students, Chan adds. “Doing these things helps to round out their university education and gives important insight into what’s going on inside the industry right now – the trends, the issues, the people, and the practical realities of making films," says Chan. "It’s also a great opportunity to meet people in the industry – and other people just starting out in the industry like them.”​

The student perspective

Natalie Schmidt, a current Film Studies student and president of UCalgary’s Film Society, is one of the many students eager to participate in CIFF. 

“I am looking forward to watching local Albertan films at CIFF this year! It is truly creatively inspiring to see what other filmmakers in this province have made,” says Schmidt. “Along with these films I am looking forward to the filmmaker talks that accompany the movies as I always learn a lot.” 

These opportunities to connect with local filmmakers and engage with their work are exactly the kinds of experiences that CIFF, in partnership with UCalgary, facilitates for students​.

A unique and supportive program

The Film Studies program offers more than just traditional classroom learning. “Beyond providing a rigorous grounding in film scholarship, we have a tightly knit, friendly community created by our supportive faculty,” says Chan. “…our program gives students opportunities to build on the foundation of their classroom learning.”

Looking ahead, Chan is enthusiastic about growing UCalgary’s partnership with CIFF. “I look forward to finding more ways to get our students involved,” says Chan, adding the collaboration benefits UCalgary students by giving them a chance to connect with people in the film industry and build a community.​