James Reckseidler brings to CSIF Production a friendly face and a deep knowledge and understanding of the filmmaking process through all aspects, from script to screen. A director first, he is a true artist and creative mind. He is also an active musician and writer. His award-winning short films were the darling of the community and international film festivals in the early 2000’s and he has produced content in all formats and for all platforms for over 20 years. He is currently producing his feature film Ties That Bind for March 2022, along with significant initiatives to assist the regional film community. Don’t hesitate to contact James for anything you may need related to Production you may need.
Dante Costello is a producer, writer, and director. He has worked on a variety of productions including features, short films, TV, and TV movies, as well as micro-budget indie shorts and feature productions of his own. He also has experience in the art department, having worked in Vancouver as an Assistant Property Master on TV movies for the past couple years. In early 2022 he moved back to Alberta in order to pursue his true passion for independent film, which led him to CSIF where he began affixing gaff tape to various things. As Equipment Coordinator he looks forward to connecting with fellow film buffs and assisting in all your production equipment needs.
Kyle Marshall is passionate about movies. He even has an entire podcast he co-hosts called Kyle and Dave vs The Machine, where each season focuses on a specific year of film. Kyle has been specializing in podcasts for the past few years. Now at CSIF he’s eager to begin programming workshops, networking events, and screenings. In his free time–if he isn’t watching a movie–you will probably see him enjoying live theatre, trying to keep up with his niece and nephew, and attempting to finish that book he’s been writing for the last few years. If you have ideas on events that CSIF can host please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Kara Lee has had a lifetime passion for the arts with experience in various aspects including painting, theatre, and film. She always brings a positive attitude, creative problem solving, and a strong work ethic to every project and team she has been a part of, contributing to her desire to help artists fulfill their dreams. She is dedicated to bringing people together and building meaningful relationships within CSIF and the film community.
Ted Stenson is a writer and filmmaker from Calgary. He graduated with an MFA in Playwriting from the University of Calgary in 2014. Ted’s debut feature film “Events Transpiring Before, During, and After a High School Basketball” premiered at VIFF in 2020 and played more than 15 festivals in Canada and the US. Ted’s latest project, a documentary about the Alberta rat patrol called “Living Without Menace,” is available on CBC Gem.
Austin Ladouceur is an independent filmmaker and graduate from the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering. Austin discovered his love for film in high school when he began writing screenplays during lunch break. Throughout university, he continued to foster his passion for writing while working in a biomechanics lab where he got to work with motion capture cameras used to create CGI for films and video games. After receiving an academic scholarship, Austin used the money to produce his first short film, Making Money in… Manitou, Manitoba, which was selected for EIFF and CIFF 2023. Austin is currently developing his second short film and producing a documentary about Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman on Siksika Nation.
Quan has a passion for connecting with people and with various communities within Calgary. He stumbled upon CSIF and immediately fell in love with the organization and everything that it represents. Quan is a Chartered Professional Accountant with more than 13 years of experience working with hundreds of businesses and organizations across North America. Quan is the current President and Founder of McRally, an advisory firm focused on helping businesses and their owners maximize their full potential. Quan is also a passionate craft beer enthusiast and one of the co-founders of Evil Corporation Brewing. Quan is inspired to bring a unique perspective to the CSIF leadership team
Alex Mitchell is a multidisciplinary filmmaker based out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is a member of both IATSE Local 212 and 669—as a production sound mixer and digital image technician, respectively—and has been repeatedly recognized by the Alberta Motion Picture Industry Association for his work on local productions. Off set, he volunteers for non-profit artist organizations and has been a contributing member of the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers for almost twenty years. His company, DCPi Film Services, has served the Canadian screen industries for over a decade and he looks forward to continuing that support for years to come.
Rawd Almsoud is a Syrian-Canadian Director and Producer based in Calgary. Her award-winning short documentary film “Uncivilized” has been touring film festivals across the country. Alongside filmmaking, she works in theatrical productions and musicals as a Stage Manager and Audio Describer. Rawd aims to encourage women of color and faith from visible minorities in Alberta to engage more in the creative fields.
Jay Morberg is a lawyer and part time actor. Having worked for film/TV production companies in Alberta and in distribution for 20th Century Fox in Los Angeles, he has a broad background in business and legal affairs matters.
Dharshan Abraham defies the typical filmmaker mold. A writer, director, and producer with short films that have graced the Seattle Film Festival (2023), he combines the precision of a trained accountant with the imagination of a storyteller. Educated at Dalhousie University and holding an MBA from UofC Haskayne School of Business, his background in audit, valuation, and risk management informs a filmmaking approach that is both calculated and daring. Currently, Dharshan is expanding his creative universe through continued novel writing.
