At the biggest film festival in Alberta, there's something for everyone.
Taking over the Globe Cinema, Eau Claire, the National Music Centre at Studio Bell, the Jack Singer Concert Hall and the New Central Library, there's always plenty of entertainment for the discerning movie buff. With around 200 different short films and features to choose from it can seem daunting to try to pick out just a few, but here's a handy glossary list of our major categories to get you started.
From Hollywood headliners and Documentaries to Music On Screen and Gala events, there's something for all kinds of different film fans!
Galas
Shining a light on marquee films, galas celebrate the year’s highest accomplishments with a screening and a party.
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Headliners
The most anticipated, not-to-be-missed, most buzzed-about films of the festival circuit – from award winners and high-profile projects to celebrities and master directors.
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Canadian Cinema
From sea to sea to sea – the series celebrates our country’s most inspiring, diverse and promising films.
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BEHIND THE SCREEN
These interactive (and usually free!) events are the best way to see how movie magic is made. From tours through special effects labs, to discussions with directors and filmmakers, to peeks at the technology used on a film set and much more, it's a great way to learn more about Alberta's movie industry. Presented by Calgary Economic Development.
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New American Cinema
New and emerging voices from the United States: vibrant, independent movement, with an emphasis on under-the-radar and cutting-edge style and story. Presented by Scott Venturo Rudakoff, LLP.
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World Cinema
A spin of the globe: a captivating world of rich stories from beyond our borders. Note: All foreign language films are played with English subtitles.
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Documentaries
An uncensored view of the real world: showcasing gripping, entertaining and enlightening stories from around the globe.
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Music on Screen
From the grassroots of rock n’ roll to hip-hop and folk and everything in between: the best of movies where music plays the starring role.
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Late SHIFT
The very best in genre film and things that go bump-in-the-night! Dark, twisted and daring late night selection ranging from sci-fi to horror, thriller and fantasy from around the world, with no shortage of high-intensity suspense, shock, gore and action. Presented by Ship and Anchor.
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Shorts Series
Split into packages that cover themes like animation, animals, awkward situations, life-changing experiences, and more, this year's inspired collection of shorts are a testament to how impactful a few minutes of film can be. Presented by Jerilyn Wright & Associates and MiniMax.
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Generation Next
A diverse range of genres and stories from around the world, with themes targeted to younger audiences and those looking for innovative, youthful, fun, and at times challenging subject matter.
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Get ready, the 21st Calgary International Film Festival takes place Sep. 24 - Oct. 4, 2020. Tickets on sale now!