The Stinger Awards are going to look a bit different in 2020! Now in our 3rd year of hosting the best party in the Alberta independent film scene, we are moving the party online. Despite the distance of going virtual, you best BELIEVE we are bringing the same indie film spirit you know and love.

The Stinger Awards will include live award announcements, recipients of the Friend of the Community and Gerrick Winston Spirit Award, as well as prizes, surprises, and hella fun. This event is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the amazing work of home-grown talent, and let loose after the hectic and stressful year that was 2020.

Submission fees go directly towards hosting this event, and providing an honorarium to the Jurors- out of province industry professionals who review all Stinger Awards submissions. We need money to host the Stingers, but we also don’t want financial barriers to stop independent filmmakers from submitting . If you want to submit but can’t afford the submission fee, please email programming@csif.org to discuss.

Named after filmmaker jargon for A/C extension cords on a film set, the Stinger Awards are dedicated to recognizing the talent of Southern Alberta filmmakers from all career levels.

Now in our 3rd year, CSIF is expanding the Stinger Awards to include new categories: Best Art & Production Design, Best Overall Sound (Design + Mixing), Best Key Art, Best Makeup, and Best New Media (VR, Animation, Media Art, Experimental ).

Awards & Prizes

Best Art & Production Design
Best Cinematography
Best Director
Best Editor
Best Key Art
Best Long Form Documentary
Best Long Form Narrative
Best Long-Form Performance
Best Makeup
Best Music Video
Best New Media
Best Overall Sound
Best Score
Best Screenplay
Best Short Form Documentary
Best Short Form Narrative
Best Short Form Performance
Best Student Production
Best Web Series

Friend of the Community Honorary Award
Gerrick Winston Community Spirit Award

Rules & Terms

Eligibility:
- The awards will be open to all filmmakers located in Red Deer and south, within Alberta (Please note: your address must be entered with each submission in order to qualify)
- Films will need to have been completed between November 24, 2018 – September 2020
- Unless otherwise noted, submitters shall be 18 years or older
- Best Student Production category ONLY: Residents of Southern Alberta who were enrolled in an educational institution during the time of the film's production.
*Students enrolled outside of the province are eligible to apply for this award, as long as their primary residence is within Southern Alberta
- Must own the rights to the project and retain creative control
- There is no limit to the number of submissions per category, however, each submission must be listed on its own form.

Categories:
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Director
Best Editor
Best Long Form Documentary
Best Long Form Narrative
Best Long-Form Performance
Best Makeup
Best Music Video
Best New Media
Best Overall Sound
Best Score
Best Screenplay
Best Short Form Documentary
Best Short Form Narrative
Best Short Form Performance
Best Student Production
Best Web Series

By submitting to the Stinger Awards, you affirm that:
- You own or have gained the rights for the film you are putting forward;
- Agree that the Stinger Awards and CSIF can screen all or part of your work as part of the Stinger Award ceremony. However, please note that the Stinger Awards does not agree, commit, nor is obligated to screen all or part of your film during any part of the Stinger Award

5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Maryam Ejaz

    It was such a pleasure being a part of Stinger Awards 2020! Despite all the difficulties of this year the event was done so well!! ☺️

    December 2020
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  • Matthew Watson

    Great production. Was a very fun and engaging awards show.

    December 2020
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  • Vera Neverkevich Hill

    This event is attended by many independent filmmakers in the Calgary film scene including top producers. Great fun, and very classy award trophies. Top projection and sound quality.

    September 2019
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  • Wayne Bradford

    What a great night! An inaugural winner of an event! Can't wait to see this event grow!!!

    December 2018
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  • Eric Pauls

    Well organised, great competition and a so much fun.

    December 2018
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