Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society was formed in 1980 as a non-profit society to promote and encourage the production, distribution and exhibition of independent film in British Columbia. It is a registered, charitable organization. While much has changed in the field in the 28 years since our inception, Cineworks maintains its commitment to excellence and innovation in the media arts through programs that support the production, exhibition and understanding of works by BC artists, in an inclusive environment that fosters equality and cultural diversity.
Cineworks provides its members with production and post-production equipment, facilities, information and inspiration in a supportive, creative environment. Cineworks also offers member services and programming initiatives in the form of networking opportunities, hands-on workshops and seminars with visiting filmmakers, an active website, a weekly newsletter and the programming of independent Canadian film and media arts. Cineworks arranges and presents public exhibitions and discussions aimed at increasing film literacy and encouraging the growth of film analysis.
The organization has evolved to embrace a broad spectrum of media arts practices while maintaining a commitment to support artists interested in utilizing film. The society has an active membership of over 300 filmmakers who are involved in a variety of aspects of independent film and media arts making on an ongoing basis. While our membership policy is open, we restrict the use of facilities at member rates to projects that are non-commercial in nature, whereby the artist retains copyright and artistic control of the work produced.
Vancouver is home to a large number of media arts organizations and Cineworks strives to work collaboratively with other groups wherever possible, while focusing its own initiatives on those areas specific to the medium of film and/or not otherwise being served. Each year in planning our programs, we seek to identify gaps or needs that are not being met through other venues, while lending support to the programs developed by others that also meet our objectives. Our direction is largely guided by the input provided by our member artists, as well as the knowledgeable insights from our professional staff and advisory committees. In addition, by disseminating our members’ works and participating in cooperative efforts with other centres across the country, we are contributing to the media arts continuum in Canada.
Cineworks continues to place importance on contextualizing creative practice, advancing dialogue and inspiring artists. Formal screenings are an important part of this process. We are fortunate to have a close relationship with the Pacific Cinematheque that provides us unique opportunities to screen independent media art works for the general public and our membership in a professional environment. We place importance on those opportunities, as much of what we are interested in screening does not get widespread distribution. Smaller, underground films, community based work, works from other media art centres and members films can be screened with important, resonating effects with local audiences.
Cineworks is eager to forge new relationships with peer organizations in the creative communities of Vancouver, BC, Canada and the world to move film and cinematic practice in new directions, encouraging innovations from practitioners of other disciplines. This year, we were accepted as members of the Pacific Association of Artist-Run Centres (PAARC), expanding our profile as cultural contributors in our region. In addition to this, our membership with PAARC will allow us to participate in the SWARM Festival of Artist Run Culture events held each September.
Mandate
-To provide facilities for the production of independent, non-sponsored film.
-To assist in the production, distribution and exhibition of independent films, having educational and cultural benefit to the community.
-To facilitate public participation in the development of Canadian cultural policy through discussion, research and submissions.
-To support and arrange public exhibitions and workshops aimed at increasing film literacy.
-To encourage the growth of film analysis.
-To liaise with local, provincial and national organizations and societies in the furtherance of the above purposes.
Principle Activities
-Providing access to the tools required by media artists to create professional work.
-Facilitating dialogue amongst artists, and between artists and audiences, on the nature of the filmmaking process and the impact of media art on society.
-Creating programs to assist artists in the development of new skills to advance their artistic practices.
-Dissemination and exhibition of independent film and media art works.
Programs
Cinematic Salons
Cinematic Salons provide an opportunity for dialogue around film artistry and bring together members of the independent film community in an informal and intimate environment.
Exhibitions/Screenings
Cineworks hosts a series of theme-based curated screenings of Canadian Film. These screenings offer a unique opportunity for audiences to experience the variety and artistry of the short film format.
Film Pool
The Film Pool is Cineworks annual allocation to members of 16mm and 35mm short ends and donated film.
Production Fund
The Cineworks Production Fund was established to encourage excellence in local independent film production. The Fund offers production support to Cineworks members in the form of Cineworks post facilities and a limited amount of services in the interest of helping you move forward with or finish your film.
Production Report
The Production Report is a comprehensive list of recently completed film and videos by Cineworks members. The report contains information on the key creatives involved in each project, making the Production Report a useful resource for finding crew and building the independent filmmaking community in Vancouver.
Workshops
Workshops in the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking are offered throughout the year and are designed specifically with the independent filmmaker in mind. Our workshops help demystify the filmmaking process and teach participants how to maximize limited budgets and make the most of the resources offered by Cineworks.
