THE FUTURE OF CIFF
When plans for a new LRT line lead to the demolition of CIFF’s longtime home at Eau Claire Cineplex Theatre, many Calgarians had the same question: what’s next for CIFF? And where?
The answers are “more” and “everywhere.” It’s the first step in the CIFF Constellation – activating every screen possible with partners across the city. CIFF still brings the best cinema the world has to offer to the city every September, but now it will spread beyond its usual boundaries. This year, you can enjoy all the features, documentaries, shorts and events of CIFF at The Plaza Theatre, Contemporary Calgary, University of Calgary Downtown, Globe Cinema and Scotiabank Theatre Chinook.
CANADA’S BAND
It all starts with The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal on September 18th. A sprawling docu-series by Mike Downie — he used the unprecedented access provided by his brother, frontman Gord Downie, to produce the definitive behind-the-scenes look at Canada’s Band. One night only on two screens at the Globe Cinema, No Dress Rehearsal will take you through the meteoric rise and tragic end of the most significant Canadian band of their era. Tickets are now on sale.
BLOOD AND SNOW
The following night at the Jack Singer Concert Hall at Arts Commons, a star-studded red carpet will mark the return of CIFF’s Opening Night Gala. Alberta-shot western The Thicket is the marquee event, an ice-cold tale of northern revenge starring Juliette Lewis (Yellowjackets) and Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones). Co-stars Dinklage and Leslie Grace (Miss Bala) will be in attendance for a Q&A session following the screening, with a glittering reception to round out the night. Tickets are on sale now.
THE BLOCK PARTY
Rounding out the opening festivities is the free connectFirst Credit Union presents CIFF Block Party. Starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday September 21, CIFF is throwing a huge outdoor party in front of the doors to The Plaza Theatre. Games, face-painting, patios, food, and fun for the whole family will be available, as well as three outdoor film screenings. Disney classic A Goofy Movie starts at 2:30pm, with voice actor Jason Marsden (Max Goof) in attendance. In the afternoon, Mike Judge cult-comedy Office Space will play, followed by a spooky pre-Halloween screening of The Blair Witch Project. It’s the can’t-miss event of the season!
THE FESTIVAL
From September 19-29, CIFF will show over 200 films, including over 70 being shown for the first time to Calgarian, Albertan or Canadian audiences. Some are even being shown for the first time ever. Events include the legendary Industry Week, where the Alberta film industry comes to learn new skills, network and attend fantastic parties. The keynote Industry Week speaker is Canadian filmmaker Sook-Yin Lee (Year of the Carnivore, Shortbus) on the heels of her new film, Paying for It, based on the graphic novel by legendary Canadian cartoonist Chester Brown.
For the closing, CIFF presents the worldwide premiere of Lucky Star by director and CIFF alumnus Gillian McKercher. A portrait of crime and addiction, it’s a landmark view of a Chinese-Canadian family on the brink.
It all goes down September 19 to September 29, 2024. The biggest films sell-out so be sure to get your tickets at CIFFcalgary.ca.
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