Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF)
Western Canada's most important film festival, held annually in September in Calgary, Alberta, presenting a broad international program and supporting Alberta's growing film and television production sector.
Overview
The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is Western Canada's most important film festival outside of Vancouver. Founded in 2000 and held annually in September in Calgary, Alberta, the festival screens approximately 175 films from more than 70 countries over 10 days and serves as the primary international film platform in Canada's fastest-growing major city.
Calgary's booming economy, driven by energy industry wealth and a rapidly diversifying economic base, provides a prosperous audience for international cinema. The city's young, educated, and internationally mobile population creates strong demand for world cinema programming.
Alberta has developed an active film and television production sector supported by the province's competitive incentive programs, and CIFF connects this growing local industry with international cinema through its programming.
Key Sections
- Canadian Images -- a focused competition for Canadian features and shorts
- International Features -- curated world cinema
- Documentary Program -- nonfiction features
- Short Film Programs -- competitive and curated shorts
- Alberta Film -- films by Alberta-based filmmakers
- Industry Events -- professional activities for Alberta filmmakers
What Filmmakers Should Know
CIFF accepts open submissions. For Alberta filmmakers, the festival provides the most important local platform. For Canadian filmmakers broadly, CIFF provides access to Alberta audiences and the province's production community. International films seeking Canadian exposure will find Calgary's large, engaged audiences receptive.
Major Awards
- Best Canadian Feature -- jury prize
- Best Documentary
- Best Short Film
- Audience Award -- across categories
Festival History
CIFF was founded in 2000 and has grown alongside Calgary's rapid expansion as a major Canadian city, establishing itself as Western Canada's second most important film festival.
See Also
For Canadian and Alberta film production, see Film Locations. For festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.
