{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6835d40ee1abc4be6b19cbba/6872cfb058252a98b1cff881?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"S1 E9: The Final Step - Calgary International Film Festival’s Importance to Alberta’s Film Ecosystem with Katherine Penhale","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/6835d40ee1abc4be6b19cbba/1760058100659-85e9f5e9-be4d-4124-89f6-dda921f4d290.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this episode of the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast, we sit down with Katherine Penhale, Executive Director of the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF). Katherine shares her remarkable journey from a last-minute venue coordinator in 2016 to leading one of Canada’s most celebrated festivals through its 25th anniversary and beyond. She dives into the strategic vision behind CIFF’s Constellation Plan, challenges with Calgary’s venue infrastructure, the importance of filmmaker experience, and her mission to ensure cinema remains vibrant in the city’s core. Whether you’re a filmmaker, industry professional, or festival fan, this episode offers a masterclass in leadership, adaptability, and the power of community-driven film culture.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>In this episode:</strong></p><ul><li>Katherine shares how she went from working her first CIFF shift at age 20 to becoming Executive Director and spearheading its 25th anniversary</li><li>The story behind the Constellation Strategic Plan and how it’s solving Calgary’s DCI projector and cinema infrastructure crisis</li><li>Why streaming can't replace the magic of the in-person film experience</li><li>CIFF’s dual identity: a filmmaker-first and audience-first festival</li><li>Tips for emerging filmmakers submitting to CIFF and how to stand out</li><li>The importance of fit when submitting to festivals and why every film has one</li><li>A look ahead at new venue activations, potential pitch competitions, and more for CIFF 2025</li><li>The Alberta Spirit Shorts showcase and what makes it the most joyful night of the festival</li><li>What Katherine is watching now and why she always runs the mics at local screenings</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Contacts</p><p><strong>Guest:</strong> Katherine Penhale</p><p><strong>Title:</strong> Executive Director, Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF)</p><p><br></p><p>Website: <a href=\"https://www.ciffcalgary.ca/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.ciffcalgary.ca/</a></p><p>Linked In: <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-penhale-380303138/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-penhale-380303138/</a></p><p><strong>Instagram:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/katherine_at_ciff/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.instagram.com/katherine_at_ciff/</a></p><p><br></p><p>This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at<a href=\"https://www.ampia.org\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> ampia.org</a>.</p><p>Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.</p><p>Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>CREDITS</strong></p><p><strong>Hosted by</strong>: Justine Gamez Huckabay &amp; Brent Kawchuk</p><p><br></p><p>Thank You to Our Supporters</p><p>This podcast is proudly <strong>presented by</strong> the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)</p><p><strong>Produced in collaboration with</strong> Metamorphosis Media Group</p><p><strong>Studio space and internship support provided by</strong> Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies</p><p><strong>Promotional support courtesy of</strong> the Alberta Film Commission</p><p><strong>Series trailer edited by</strong> Joe Media Group</p><p>We’re grateful to these organizations for helping bring Alberta’s screen stories to life and into the world.</p>","author_name":"Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)"}