CIFF 2026 - A Conversation with Celina Vides | S3E5

In this episode of Dripping Creativity, host Chris Corvan is joined by the fabulous Celina Vides, a Salvadorian Canadian artist and film programmer based in Calgary. With over a decade of experience across various arts and cultural communities, Celina shares her journey from a love of literature to a thriving career in film and festival programming.Celina dives into her work with the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF), discussing the unique role of local filmmakers and the vibrant community that surrounds the festival. She highlights the importance of showcasing diverse voices and the excitement of bringing international cinema to Calgary. From the challenges of programming to the joy of connecting filmmakers with audiences, Celina offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes CIFF a must-attend event.Listeners will also hear about Celina's passion for experimental films and her curated shorts package, featuring award-winning titles and local gems. This episode is a celebration of creativity, community, and the magic of storytelling through film.Find out more about the Calgary International Film Festival:https://www.calgaryfilm.comFollow Celina Vides:@cvidescFollow Chris Corvan:@chrisofthevoidMusic by GRIDLAZER:https://www.instagram.com/___f4ilur3/(00:00) Selena Vides is an artist, arts administrator and film programmer(01:25) You've worked across film, photography, theater festivals and arts administration(11:22) Brenda Lieberman says being an arts administrator is a beautiful job(16:55) I found this residency that ROS foundation has for arts leaders(20:23) Is it mainly just a facilitator style or are you an actual creator(24:11) You went from being a filmmaker to becoming a published author(27:25) Okay, let's, uh, switch up a little bit here(33:05) How does a film make it from submission to appearing on SIF schedule(35:11) Um, there is another element of like obviously like the films making the circuit(36:18) There's very few movies that I will not rewatch a second time(36:59) Programming team constantly thinking about whether a film will find an audience(39:32) Is there ever disagreements between the programmers on short film selection(42:08) What uh, other kind of films this year have you hyped up personally(45:32) What film am I excited to watch with an audience(45:55) There's a film called the Snake in the Canadian narrative(49:59) We have two Alberta spirit packages this year. There's two packages now(55:47) SIF promotes local Alberta filmmakers through its Spotlight section(58:44) The one thing I did want to touch on is Industry Week(01:02:37) There is often this invisible gap between making art and understanding the machinery(01:06:15) Going into a movie completely blind or getting some info on it first is difficult(01:07:33) Would you rather a movie that makes you cry or one that scares you(01:09:40) So, uh, the very final question, the most important one(01:10:23) The Calgary International Film Festival runs this September in Calgary