CSIF'S 2026 COVER STORY

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CSIF CALGARY'S FILM CHAMPIONS INTERVIEW: KARA LEE MUSTERS, KYLE MARSHALL, ANDREW LONG & JAMES RECKSEIDLER

Photography by Benjamin Laird at the CSIF Studio in Calgary

LEADERS OF TOMORROW IN ALBERTA FILM: KARA LEE MUSTERS, KYLE MARSHALL, ANDREW LONG & JAMES RECKSEIDLER

Kyle Marshall, Kara Lee Musters, Andrew Long and James Recksidler. Photography by Benjamin Laird

Pillars of Creativity: Celebrating the Visionaries Behind Calgary’s Film Community and the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF)

Since its founding in 1978, the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) has stood as a vital cornerstone of Alberta’s vibrant independent film scene. Over more than four decades, CSIF has evolved from a modest organization committed to making filmmaking accessible into a dynamic hub that champions diversity, innovation, and community engagement. Its mission to support filmmakers at every stage—whether emerging or established—has helped shape Calgary’s cultural landscape and foster a thriving artistic ecosystem.

At the heart of this success lies a dedicated leadership team—board members, executive staff, and industry entrepreneurs—whose unwavering commitment and collective vision continue to propel the society forward. These individuals are more than just organizational stewards; they are the pillars of Calgary’s filmmaking community, inspiring change, fostering opportunity, and ensuring that storytelling remains a powerful tool for social and cultural expression.

We had the privilege of engaging with some of these influential leaders—each a vital part of CSIF’s fabric—who shared their insights, motivations, and hopes for the society’s future. Their stories reveal a shared passion for nurturing talent, building community, and elevating Calgary’s voice within Alberta’s artistic landscape.

Kara Lee Musters: A Visionary Leader Committed to Inclusivity and Growth

and inspired by her work on The Ties That Bind, Kara Lee’s leadership philosophy revolves around expanding resources, fostering community, and creating opportunities for emerging voices.

At the forefront of CSIF’s leadership is Board President Kara Lee Musters, whose journey as a filmmaker and community advocate embodies her deep commitment to nurturing an inclusive, supportive environment for filmmakers.

Kara Lee’s vision for CSIF includes the development of a new, state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a creative hub—a space where filmmakers can access equipment, training, and mentorship under one roof. She emphasizes that CSIF’s core mission is about accessibility and inclusivity—ensuring that artists from all backgrounds, including marginalized and underrepresented communities, have opportunities to tell their stories.

Her leadership also focuses on strategic growth—building partnerships with industry stakeholders, securing funding, and expanding training programs. She believes that storytelling is a powerful tool for social change and cultural reflection, and she is committed to making sure that Calgary’s stories are heard both locally and beyond.

Kara Lee’s passion for community-building is evident in her respect for all communities – Indigenous, BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, minority language and newcomers - and their stories remains a core value in her leadership, emphasizing the importance of authentic, diverse narratives that reflect Alberta’s rich cultural mosaic.

Andrew Long: Executive Director – Building Foundations for Growth and Industry Development

Leading the organization’s strategic direction is Andrew Long, CSIF’s Executive Director. With extensive experience from the Canadian Film Centre and numerous cultural organizations, Andrew’s role is to oversee the society’s overall health, growth, and sustainability. His leadership is rooted in a vision of strengthening Calgary’s local film industry by supporting mid-budget productions and creating pathways for emerging filmmakers to develop their skills and gain valuable on-set experience.

Andrew emphasizes that a thriving, sustainable film scene is vital for Alberta’s cultural economy. His goal is to build bridges—connecting local talent with industry professionals, festivals, and funding sources—while nurturing mentorship and community support. He believes that supporting filmmakers at every stage—from development to distribution—is crucial for Calgary’s continued artistic growth. Andrew also underscores the importance of honoring Indigenous lands and cultures, recognizing that authentic storytelling rooted in respect and diversity is essential to Alberta’s cultural identity.

Photography by Benjamin Laird

James Reckseidler: Production Director – Entrepreneurial Spirit and Artistic Innovation

James Reckseidler, a creative and cultural entrepreneur based in Calgary and Las Vegas, serves as CSIF’s Production Director. Through his company Reckseidler Films, James offers media production, post-production, and audio services, supporting a wide range of film, television, and music projects. His work includes the feature film Conscience Ties the Binds, his band "reijo", and the internationally renowned U2 tribute show U2Station.

James embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within Calgary’s artistic ecosystem. His projects exemplify his belief that storytelling, music, and film are powerful tools for cultural dialogue and social change. His involvement underscores the importance of fostering local talent, supporting artistic diversity, and creating opportunities for artists to reach wider audiences. His endeavors highlight how CSIF’s community supports multidisciplinary artistry and entrepreneurial ventures, encouraging innovation and collaboration across artistic disciplines.

Kyle Marshall: Head of Programming and Communications – Elevating Calgary’s Indie Film Scene

Kyle Marshall, responsible for CSIF’s programming and outreach, plays a vital role in shaping the society’s public face. He develops and organizes events—including workshops, screenings, networking sessions, and festivals—that serve to inspire, educate, and connect filmmakers. Kyle’s motivation to join CSIF was driven by a passion for film and a desire to elevate Calgary’s independent scene.

His goal is to position Calgary as a creative, financially viable hub for indie filmmakers by curating relevant, impactful programming rooted in community needs. Kyle emphasizes the importance of listening to members’ feedback to craft programming that improves skills, encourages collaboration, and fosters new projects. By doing so, he ensures CSIF remains a dynamic, responsive organization—an incubator for innovation and artistic growth. His vision is a future where Calgary’s filmmakers gain wider recognition and CSIF’s events continue to inspire and support artistic development.

Board Members: Guardians and Catalysts for Alberta’s Artistic Evolution

Supporting these leaders are a talented group of longstanding and active board members, whose diverse expertise sustains CSIF’s mission and ensures its continued vitality:

Ted Stenson, Vice President—A vital leader providing strategic oversight and community outreach. Austin Ladouceur, Secretary—Focusing on governance and organizational development. Quan Ly, Treasurer—Advocating for multicultural storytelling and financial stewardship. Alex Mitchell, Director — One of the society’s longest-standing board members, providing strategic guidance and mentorship. Heath Milo, Director —An experienced filmmaker and mentor, emphasizing artistic excellence and community support. As well as Dharshan Abraham is a board member and serves on the fundraising committee. He brings a unique perspective as both a filmmaker and corporate professional with extensive experience in audit, valuation, and risk management.

Together, these leaders ensure that CSIF remains an inclusive, innovative organization—serving as a fertile incubator for Alberta’s artistic and cultural growth.

James Reckseidler exemplifies the entrepreneurial and artistic spirit that energizes Calgary’s creative scene. His ventures—spanning film, music, and live performance—highlight the importance of supporting local talent, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, and building bridges between different artistic communities. His involvement underscores how CSIF’s community nurtures diverse forms of expression, encouraging innovation and resilience.

The collective vision of CSIF’s leadership is ambitious but rooted in community values. They aim to:

- Expand training programs—including advanced workshops, mentorship initiatives, and industry collaborations—that prepare filmmakers for the evolving landscape.

- Develop a new, dedicated facility—equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, collaborative workspaces, and educational resources—to serve as a creative hub for the community.

- Foster industry engagement—by connecting local talent with national and international markets, festivals, and funding opportunities.

- Support emerging voices—through grants, showcases, and opportunities to screen their work.

- Celebrate diversity and inclusion—by ensuring Indigenous voices, multicultural stories, and underrepresented communities are central to Calgary’s storytelling.

Kara Lee Musters emphasizes that CSIF’s core mission is about creating accessible, inclusive spaces where all voices can be heard, celebrated, and supported. Andrew Long highlights that a sustainable, thriving film industry depends on mentorship, community, and strategic growth. Kyle Marshall envisions Calgary becoming a recognized center for innovative filmmaking, where new voices are empowered and celebrated.

Throughout these conversations, leaders expressed a deep respect for the land on which CSIF operates—the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina, Métis Nation, and Stoney Nakoda. They acknowledge that authentic storytelling must reflect Indigenous histories and perspectives, and that honoring these cultures is fundamental to Alberta’s cultural identity. They see storytelling as a way to bridge communities, foster understanding, and celebrate the rich diversity of the region.

The leaders and board members of CSIF are more than stewards—they are the heartbeat of Calgary’s independent film community. Their collective passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment have established an organization that nurtures talent, champions diversity, and elevates storytelling as a catalyst for social change and cultural dialogue.

Kara Lee Musters and James Reckseidler with Marcus Della Rosa at the CSIF Studio by Benjamin Laird

Thanks to their vision and dedication, Calgary’s film scene remains vibrant and resilient, poised for a future where new voices emerge, stories are shared authentically, and artistic excellence continues to flourish. The society’s leadership ensures Calgary remains a vital incubator for independent filmmaking in Canada, inspiring generations of storytellers to come.