Film Circle is a community of cinephiles united by the desire to support CIFF in fostering the future of filmmaking and enriching audiences through world-class film. These altruistic champions of cinema help CIFF elevate Calgary's cultural vibrancy, cultivate new talent, promote volunteerism and encourage youth education.
As a pillar of Alberta's arts and culture scene for over 20 years, CIFF is committed to platforming remarkable emerging artists, dedicating at minimum 25% of feature film programming to first and second-time filmmakers. Empowering the filmmakers of tomorrow, CIFF has also brought the magic of movies to 5,000+ students across Calgary through our youth-focused film program Generation Next.
In addition to becoming patrons of the arts, Film Circle members enjoy a premium festival experience featuring VIP events, a private lounge and access to a 48-hour advance pre-sale window.
Membership in the Film Circle is a great way to stay engaged with latest offerings from CIFF. Film Circle events both during the Festival and throughout the year also a unique opportunity to meet and share experiences with like-minded Calgarians who share a passion for innovative and compelling films.
D’Arcy Levesque
Storytelling is one of the most powerful social and cultural forces on earth. Not only do stories entertain, engage and enlighten, but also reveal what it means to be human and how we might live a better life. That’s why I am proud to be a Film Circle member as we help support the Festival to bring the very best stories of our time from around the world for all of us to share and experience here in Calgary.
Joe Novak
Film Circle is my way of expressing my love of films and the experience of a world class film festival, as well as helping Calgary become the type of city I know it can be.
Matthew Beswick
Film Circle Benefits
| GENERAL BENEFITS: | Silver Patron $1,500+ | Gold Patron $5,000+ | Platinum Patron $10,000+ |
| Tax receipt | $604 | $2,652 | $5,410 |
| Listing in the donor recognition material | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Additional opportunities to deepen your engagement (customizable) | ✓ | ||
| FESTIVAL PASSES: | |||
| Passes (exclusive to Film Circle members in 2023) | 2 Passes | 4 Passes | 6 Passes |
| Single admission (one per pass) to all in-cinema and at-home festival screenings | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| FESTIVAL BENEFITS: | |||
| Invitation to exclusive pre-festival virtual meetup with Artistic Director to discuss 2023 film lineup | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 48-Hour Advance Festival Pre-Sale Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to Film Circle Lounge at Eau Claire Market, with complimentary snacks & beverages | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to reserved seating at busier regular screenings* | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Invitation to an exclusive VIP Festival Pre-Reception with special guest | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Access to a limited number of tickets held for sold-out regular screenings** | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Access to one filmmaker brunch for patron & one guest | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Festival venue parking pass | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Guest General Admission vouchers (regular screenings online or in person) | 10 | 20 | |
| Opportunity to enter any screening without booking a ticket beforehand. *Must arrive 15 min before the screening starts and only for non-sold-out films. |
✓ | ||
| Right to host one CIFF reception, with potential of bringing a filmmaker as a guest (date/time/location/etc. must be fully booked by Aug 1) | ✓ | ||
| YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING BENEFITS: | |||
| Invitation for patron & one guest to Top Docs pre-screening event | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Invitation for patron & one guest to Global Perspectives pre-screening event | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Invitation to fundraising event viewing party on Oscars Night 2024 | 2 drink tickets | 4 drink tickets | 6 drink tickets |
| Tickets to Oscar-nominated shorts screening one week before the Academy Awards 2024 | 2 tickets | 6 tickets | |
| Passes for Global Perspectives series 2023/2024 | 2 passes | 6 passes | |
| Passes for Top Docs series 2023/2024 | 2 passes | ||
| Opportunity to host private screening off-site during the off-season, curated by Artistic Director | ✓ |
*subject to availability - first come, first served
**subject to availability, contact filmcircle@ciffcalgary.ca at least 24 hours in advance
Please note that most Film Circle benefits are non-transferable.
A Calgary International Film Festival Film Circle membership is the best way to contribute to Calgary’s growing film industry and experience the 11-day festival. If you are ready to join, you can make an e-transfer to donation@ciffcalgary.ca, or contact us at filmcircle@ciffcalgary.ca to learn more.
The Calgary International Film Festival Society is a not-for-profit organization, and a registered charity (Charitable Registration Number: 864856927RR0001).