In the late 1990s, three staff members at the recently opened Timberline Secondary (Kevin Harrison, Ken Croft and Erik Mairs) often engaged in conversations about their interest in films. All three felt that the showings at the two multiscreen theatres in town focussed on Hollywood mega films and ignored other films of high-quality.

We invited people from the wider community to join an interest group to get a broader perspective. The positive response encouraged us to proceed. Manfred Hensel, from this group, soon became a key partner in the organizing committee.

In the event of this project succeeding we agreed that the money should be spent locally, initially on film-making equipment for high school programs and then bursaries for graduates pursuing further education in media. Over time we expanded the dispersal of funds to the community on an ad hoc basis.

From the beginning our source of films has been mainly, but not exclusively, the Toronto International Film Festival via its Film Circuit branch.

Over the years, many amazing volunteers have participated in making the CRFF a resounding success, helping out with everything from film and short selection to trivia to promotions.