What happens when a lifelong love of film turns into a career - and then takes you from Nashville to Calgary?

In this episode of Simply Says: Pivoting with Purpose, Nancy sits down with Brian Owens, Artistic Director & Documentary Programmer of the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF), to talk about the unexpected turns, risks and opportunities that shaped his career in film.

Brian began his festival career after a decade as an online film critic, founding the Indianapolis International Film Festival in 2004 before spending a decade as Artistic Director of the Nashville Film Festival. In 2018, another major pivot brought him to Calgary, where he has helped shape CIFF’s artistic vision and grow its profile as a destination for Canadian, international and independent cinema.

But Brian's story isn't simply about film festivals. It's about following a passion, taking chances, building something from the ground up, and knowing when it's time to take the next step.

In this conversation, Brian shares what drew him to film in the first place, what he learned from building festivals in two different cities, why he made the move to Calgary, and what he believes makes the shared experience of cinema so powerful.

Because sometimes the biggest pivots aren't about leaving your passion behind - they're about finding a new place to take it.

In this episode:

• Brian's journey from film critic to festival founder
• Founding the Indianapolis International Film Festival
• His decade with the Nashville Film Festival
• The decision to make the move from Nashville to Calgary
• His role shaping the artistic vision of CIFF
• The importance of independent and Canadian cinema
• Why film festivals are about more than just watching movies
• Taking risks, embracing change and following your passion
• What Brian has learned from a life and career in film

Find Brian:
Instagram @CIFFcalgary
Instagram @filmfestguy
ciffcalgary.ca

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