Calgary International Film Festival
With more than 175 films streaming across the prairies, CIFF adapts for the times
Bringing together more than 175 films from more than 40 countries, Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) offers a lineup of the year’s most ground-breaking and must-see movies with a unique hybrid model for 2020.
The affair features more than 90 in-cinema feature films and shorts package screenings alongside over 160 films that you can watch online, making it the first major annual arts event in Calgary to launch at this scale. This year also marks the first time audiences outside of Calgary can take part— streaming is available across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba!
And it’s more than just screenings! CIFF welcomes global audiences to tune into Behind the Screen events featuring live conversations with leading film industry members including Finn Wolfhard, Lawrence Kasdan, Andrew Phung, and Meg Kasdan.
“I feel deeply connected to and excited about this lineup. The challenges we have faced this year have made us feel even more passionate about the films we are presenting. There are a lot of strong titles, and our mandate to showcase diversity behind and in front of the camera, is present in every section,” says Brian Owens, CIFF’s Artistic Director, in a statement. “This year’s hybrid festival has given us the opportunity to grow in so many ways, there is an occasion for those who haven’t been able to join us in the past, especially with our virtual screening expansion into the rest of Alberta and into Saskatchewan and Manitoba.”
With COVID-19 protocols in place, CIFF is continually monitoring provincial regulations and municipal bylaws as they are updated and will continue to abide by and exceed government-regulated standards for in-person screenings. COVID-19 related policies include reduced capacities, mandatory masks, four-person cohorts, and assigned seating with two metres physical distancing in place.
And, if you want to check something out in person, make sure you grab your tickets quick as screenings are already selling out.
So, what’s on our must-see list? Here are our top picks for this year’s festival:
John Ware Reclaimed
September 24 – October 4, 2020
In-cinema or stream online
$11
Following filmmaker Cheryl Foggo on her quest to uncover the complex story of John Ware, a Black cowboy who settled in Alberta during the ranching industry’s early years, this local story is one that is not-to-be-missed. Foggo’s archival, genealogical, and archaeological search, and her creative re-imagining of John Ware’s life, reveal who this iconic figure might have been, and what his legacy means while exploring racism and personal connections.
ciffcalgary.ca
Shorts Package: Alberta Spirit
September 24 – October 4, 2020
In-cinema or stream online
$11
With eight stunning Alberta-made short films, this package shines a spotlight on the talented makers working in our province. These include Berta Boys—a comedic short that contemplates the hyper-masculine identity of the oil and gas industry—and Key of T—a look at Ari Agha’s journey as trans singer.
ciffcalgary.ca
Shorts Package: Animation Nation
September 24 – October 4, 2020
In-cinema or stream online
$11
A must for animation fans, this collection of shorts includes stunning works from Brazil, Canada, France, Taiwan, and the United States. We really want to see Umbrella— a bittersweet animated story of a girl with a yellow umbrella who brings emotional memories back to a boy—and Hudson Geese—a dry comedy with a surprise twist.
ciffcalgary.ca
Beast Beast
September 25, 2020, 8:00pm
In-cinema only
$11
In a quiet Southern town, popular and charismatic theatre-kid Krista finds herself increasingly drawn to Nito, the new kid at school who catches her attention with his impressive skating videos. Check out this coming of age feature during its Canadian premiere.
ciffcalgary.ca
Events Transpiring Before, During, and After a High School Basketball Game
September 27 – October 4, 2020
In-cinema or stream online
$11
A dramatic and humorous feature debut from local director Ted Stenson, this film is an offbeat and endearing take on the all-too conventional sports narrative and features a teen cast and a soundtrack sourced from Calgary’s beloved 90s punk, emo, and rock bands—and Jann Adren.
ciffcalgary.ca
The Calgary International Film Festival runs September 24 to October 4, 2020 and the full schedule can be found at ciffcalgary.ca.
