Calgary has built a reputation as a film hub not only for its shooting locations, but also amongst film fans who like checking out a variety of festivals throughout the year. This spring, gather with fellow cinephiles and discover new filmmakers or watch films on the fringe. Whether you’re looking to try out new movie genres, celebrate good old-fashioned celluloid film or just catch a fun flick, here are some upcoming film festivals not to be missed.
Artifact Small Format Film Festival
When: April 2 to 4
Entering its 31st year, this festival is all about celebrating celluloid film, where the films shown are all shot on Super 8 and 16mm. Spend opening night enjoying a curated selection of short and mid-length films projected on 16mm and 35mm. On the closing night, the festival highlights both global submissions and the works of local filmmakers who have taken on the challenge of crafting a film with only one roll of Super 8 film — a nod to the festival’s former name, the $100 Film Festival.
Calgary Underground Film Festival
When: April 16 to 26
One of Calgary’s most anticipated film events, the Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) features a range of genres including horror, comedy, sci-fi and fantasy. For its 23rd edition, CUFF attendees can choose from over 50 feature films over the span of 11 days. There are also special events like an all-you-can-eat-cereal cartoon party.
Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave. S.W., 403-444-8315, calgaryundergroundfilm.org
Mountains on Stage
When: April 30
Mountains on Stage is making a one-day stop in Calgary. The 2026 summer edition features four films showing the inspiring feats of thrillseekers in breathtaking natural environments. The lineup features a range of experiences from climbs in Yosemite to ascending the Southeast Ridge of Cerro Torre in Patagonia.
Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave. S.W., 403-262-3309, mountainsonstage.com
FascinAsian Film Festival
When: April 30 to May 3
Expect a beautiful celebration of film and culture at the FascinAsian Film Festival. This year’s lineup hasn’t been released yet, but attendees can expect a variety of films that celebrate Asian culture and perspectives. FascinAsian takes place in Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg, and it’s on a mission to not only showcase the talents of Asian-Canadian and Asian-American artists in film, but also to create equal opportunities in the industry to tell these important stories.
Great Divide Film Festival
When: May 7
Get excited for hiking season with a night of cinematic adventure put on by the Great Divide Trail Running Association. The featured films have been submitted by trail hikers inspired by the Great Divide Trail. It should come as no surprise that the short films will feature the beauty and adventures to be found on the 1,100-kilometre hike in the Canadian Rockies. Attendees can also expect a silent auction and voting on their favourite films.
Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave. S.W., 403-262-3309, greatdividetrail.com
Fairy Tales Queer Art & Film Festival
When: May 13 to 17
Presented by the Calgary Queer Arts Society, the Fairy Tales Queer Art & Film Festival is back with another celebration of queer cinema. The five-day festival exclusively screens 2SLGBTQIA+ feature and short-length films, with queer filmmakers, cast and crew leading the way. This year, enjoy a new festival series where Fairy Tales pulls queer films from the vault, screening cult classics like Bend It Like Beckham.
Calgary Black Film Festival
When: May 22 to 26
The Calgary Black Film Festival returns for its sixth edition this May. The festival promotes Black stories and experiences, and creates an inclusive space for discussions on major cultural, social and socio-economic issues. This year’s lineup hasn’t been released yet, but in the past, the festival has highlighted documentaries, narrative films and films about being Black in Canada.
Calgary Mountain Film Festival
When: May 28 and 29
The Calgary Mountain Film Festival is back with more paddling and climbing films. Enjoy screenings of award-winning films where athletes and travellers voyage through waters and ascend mountain faces. Stay tuned for a special guest speaker announcement.
Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave. S.W., 403-262-3309, cmff.ca