363 - An Unlikely Journey to the Top of the Film Festival World | Brian Owens, CIFF Artistic Director

The MAKE IT Podcast

Hello, Hello!

In this episode of the MAKE IT Podcast we are joined by Brian Owens, Artistic Director Calgary International Film Festival. He provides his film festival tips, advice, and insights on the MAKE IT podcast. Brian has been at the helm of some of North America's top film festivals, helping launch countless careers along the way.

In this interview, Brian shares stories from his unlikely path from small town kid to festival kingpin, offering invaluable advice to aspiring programmers and filmmakers. He also pulls back the curtain on what it takes to run major festivals while maintaining a passion for cinema, treating listeners to insightful perspectives on curation and what makes certain films resonate.

*Originally released September 13, 2022*

Follow Brian https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-owens-06648577

Calgary International Film Festival https://www.ciffcalgary.ca/

• Introduction. (0:00)
• Handling film festivals during COVID-19 pandemic. (1:11)
• Movies, childhood memories, and film appreciation. (6:22)
• Film festival creation and growth. (12:02)
• Filmmaking production skills and sound quality. (19:47)
• Film festival growth and local talent. (23:36)
• Film programming and fostering a film community. (28:57)
• Film grants and industry support in Canada vs. U.S. (34:44)
• Film industry, inclusivity, and career advice. (40:34)
• Creativity and inspiration. (49:37)
• Starting a film festival with a focus on marketing and networking. (54:39)
• Filmmaking and storytelling insights. (1:00:23)
• Creativity and career goals. (1:05:50)
• Networking and Al Gore's involvement in a documentary. (1:10:19)

Questions answered in this conversation:

• What are the minimum production skills festivals look for when accepting a film?
• How does grant funding differ between Canada and the US? - How do you start your own film festival?
• When a film is close to being good or great but not quite, what is it typically missing?
• Who are some of the creatives Brian most admires and wants to emulate from a technical or skill standpoint?

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The MAKE IT podcast amplifies the voice of the filmmaker by exploring the filmmaking journeys of actors, writers, directors, producers, and a host of other creatives from across the film industry.

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