Jacqueline Dupuis new Calgary Executive Director,

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NAMED FOR 2006 CALGARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Jacqueline Dupuis has plans under way for the 7th Annual CIFF
has announced that the 7th Annual Calgary International Film Festival will take place from September 22 to October 1, 2006.

Leading this year’s Festival is Executive Director, Jacqueline Dupuis. Previously a member of the CIFF Board of Directors, Dupuis is taking the reins of the Festival after more than 10 years in the high tech industry. Along with her love for film, Dupuis brings a plethora of skills and expertise in strategic and business planning, as well as relationship management. During her tenure on the CIFF Board of Directors, Dupuis served on the HR, Marketing, Development, and Strategic Planning committees.

“Jacqueline has been heading up the Strategic Planning initiative and has been a key force in moving it forward. Her perspective and strengths in business planning and processes have been and will continue to be a great asset to the Festival’s future growth,” explains Venturo. The CIFF Board of Directors engaged in developing a Strategic Plan after the Festival’s colossal growth. The CIFF has become the fourth largest Film Festival in Canada which is reflected by its 10-day / two-weekend format. Showcasing 400 films to an audience of over 40,000 in 2005, the Festival has come a long way from its inaugural six-day / 40 film format.

How does all this translate for film goers? Dupuis promises that the 7th Annual CIFF will bring a unique, entertaining, and enlightening experience. “We look forward to building on our legacy and further strengthening the CIFF brand, while we continue to broaden our audience appeal,” states Dupuis. “We will be focused on building long term relationships with strategic partners, helping Albertan and Canadian filmmakers achieve the success and accolades they deserve, and positively contributing to the community and quality of life for Calgarians by becoming a link in the chain of what is becoming a well-rounded arts and cultural scene. This year CIFF supporters can expect to enjoy a well-executed, high quality, dynamic film festival with more than enough of the glitz and glam it has become known for!”



Over the years, CIFF has secured the support of partners and sustaining sponsors such as AGF, Volkswagen, Second Cup, Stella Artois, City TV, and many more. Having had such film directors as Atom Egoyan, Michel Brault, and Deepa Mehta in attendance with their films, CIFF has become a well-respected player within the Festival community.



Being an international film festival, CIFF brings to Calgary current titles about timely topics from all over the world. Through relationships with other major festivals (such as the Toronto International Film Festival), industry support, and partnership initiatives, the CIFF Programming Team works with distributors and filmmakers from around the globe to offer films that can create an audience from all of Calgary’s diverse communities. The CIFF Programming Team is cognizant of its role in the Alberta film community, and endeavors to give an audience for and promote local artists through the implementation of showcases and awards, such as last year’s inaugural Alberta Centennial Award for Excellence in Short Filmmaking, which is being made an annual award through its presentation again this year.