Calgary International Film Festival: Top Picks

Bring out the red carpet and let the films roll!  The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF )is coming again at its 25th year.  From September 19-29, Filmmakers from all over Alberta come together and share their creations with the world.  For 11 days they also get to network, learn, and meet others who share their dream of bringing their stories to life.  It is also a great chance for the audience to get a feel of what else is out there and it is not just about Hollywood.    

The goal of the Calgary International Film Festival is to bring people together by creating ground-breaking and gripping movies while having an extraordinary festival for film-makers and film-lovers to experience.  Whether local or international, these films are meant allow the impossible to be possible as movies often do.  What makes it even more special is that it is more interactive with Q&As, panels, and film chats. 

The CIFF searches for the most unique, one-of-a-kind films that remind people of what going to the movies is all about.  It does not have to be riddled with special effects, have the biggest stars, or even be two hours long.  They can be the opposite and yet it can be something truly remarkable.  The top five films selected below are the ones that look the most intriguing to this writer.  They are:

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal by Mike Downie:  An exciting documentary all about how five young boys from Kingston, Ontario became one of Canada’s most legendary bands.  The director happens to be the brother of the late front-man of the band (Gord Downie) which takes us on a personal and professional journey through the lives of each member of the group.  In-depth interviews with the surviving members, fans, and celebrities have the audience learn the true story of what made these guys so “tragically hip.” Showing: Wed, Sep 18th, 6:00 PM @ Globe Up , Wed, Sep 18th, 6:30 PM @ Globe Down, Prices:  $27.31

The Thicket by Elliot Lester: The opening film of the CIFF stars Peter Dinklage and Juliette Lewis.  Filmed in and around Calgary, we are taken on a wild ride of revenge, unlikely allies, and an adventure like no other.  Things get dangerous when a merciless killer (Juliette Lewis) is on the loose and being pursued down by a ferocious tracker (Peter Dinklage).  The motivation for this escapade is a boy looking for his sister who is kidnapped by this killer.  The question is:  Who is going to come out of this alive?  Showing: Thu, Sep 19th, 8:00 PM @ Jack SingerPrices:  $36.75 - $52.50

Iniskim: Return of the Buffalo by Leanne Allison:  A beautiful short about a group of puppeteers who embrace the Indigenous Plains Indians ways of the “knowing.”  This 39-minute film talks about how in 2017, when the bison were re-established in Banff National Park. This project is due to the leaders of this movement named Leroy Little Bear and Amethyst First Rider wanting to bring the buffalo back to the area where they originated in.  Showing:  No showings scheduled, yet.

Maybe Elephants by Torill Kove: A 17-minute animated short made by an Academy Award-winning filmmaker that brings us the feeling of rebellious youth and family ties.  A chuckle is to be hand when you look into the lives of a Norwegian family that swaps their home with a family from Nairobi.  There they will face numerous challenges with themselves and (yes) maybe some elephants along the way.  A vibrant joyous film to behold for anyone who wants a laugh.  Showing:  No showings scheduled, yet.

All is Not Forgotten by Gbohunmi:  The CIFF is getting gritty with this mystery thriller.  The biggest gang in the city is at odds when a job goes wrong and now, they are divided.  Secrets will be revealed and the truth will have its day but what happens in the meantime?  The answer to that is in this 19-minute movie brought to life by an upcoming director who embraces the spirit of Alberta.  Showing:  No showings scheduled, yet.

Last Word

There is a long list of special features coming to our local theaters so it is hard to pick just five.  Each one of these films are something special.  Others that the members of the CIFF have mentioned that are just as intriguing are “The Outrun,” “Sunburnt Unicorn,” and “Anora.”  So don’t just take our word for it.  See for yourself.  These are films that we get to take a peek inside of what the CIFF is all about.

The world gets to see what kind of innovation and imagination that the CIFF showcases.  We get film-makers who have just finished their first movie to veterans who are celebrating making a lifetime of stories come to life.  Whatever the audience is looking for, look no further because according to Movie Makers Magazine, the CIFF is “one of 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.”  From what was observed over the years, this is true. 

Link: Tickets

Pass the popcorn please! 

Guest blog: Erika Ravnsborg (March 2024)

Links: Erika Ravnsborg Books / Magical Stories To Share