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News by Stacey Hogan In a society that is primarily based on industry, this year's Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) held true to its core values and dedicated its first year to the films, the filmmakers and the people who wanted to see them. President Josh Marantz believes that other, more well known festivals across the country mainly focus on people in the industry, and not those who just want to see the talent within independent films. "It defeats the purpose of general film festivals," says Marantz. "It’s all industry, industry, industry." He considers Calgary’s introductory festival a complete success with over 10,000 tickets sold. Forty films were submitted in total – 10 shorts and documentaries, and the rest full features. "We have a healthy surplus for going into next year," says Marantz, who didn't have exact figures – ticket prices were $6 for members and $8 for non-members. He adds that he is satisfied with the way the festival focused on the people and not on the commercialization of status within the independent film business. "We held true to that." Marantz also acknowledges the sponsors, and says the tremendous corporate involvement contributed to the total earnings. He believes the film fest is in a comfortable position to begin programming for next year’s festival, which will follow along the same guidelines as the first.

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