CIFF'S TRANSFORMATIVE VISION FOR CINEMA IN CALGARY
Our vision for the future includes an incredible constellation of art and theatre venues, convertible spaces, public plazas, and amenities.
In 2024 CIFF will begin the first phase of a new venue strategy that will ensure the sustainability of the festival for years to come. The old strategy was a Hub model, wherein the Eau Claire multiplex was central, and any other venues felt like a satellite. In contrast, the new model is a Constellation of many downtown venues, each with one to two screens, connecting and animating downtown. Many international film festivals thrive using this model, such as Sundance, Berlin and Vancouver.
Every year, we’ll acquire more of the equipment and technology required to transform spaces into cinemas, bringing more festival venues online. We'll gradually grow the Constellation of venues until we’ve lit up downtown, creating a festival district that rivals the best in Canada, if not the world. The assets required to create cinematic spaces will not remain warehoused when not in use by CIFF. Instead, they will be harboured at partner venues, thereby increasing the screening capacity for the entire arts ecosystem and placing film at the nexus of connection and collaboration in our community.
View our Constellation press release here.