Why Go? 

“If you’ve admired the Alberta landscapes of Fargo and The Last of Us, CIFF is your chance to see them in person — and also to admire the professionalism and artistry of one of North America’s fastest-rising film hubs.”- MovieMaker Magazine 

• CIFF is an Academy Awards Oscar-qualifying festival. In fact, it was one of the premiering festivals for Parasite before it won Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 2020.
• CIFF is consistently named one of "50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee" by MovieMaker Magazine.  
• CIFF screens films of every genre making it an exceptional opportunity for a truly inclusive artistic celebration.  
• CIFF provides audiences with a more intimate and interactive experience, compared to some of the larger film festivals in North America. 

CIFF Locations 

One of the beautiful things about CIFF is that it can be felt throughout the city, with eclectic locations offering fans distinct viewing experiences. 

• The Globe Cinema – Located on historic Stephen Ave, this classic movie house has been a downtown staple since opening in 1995.
• The Plaza - Originally constructed in 1927 as an auto mechanics shop, this charming single-screen cinema gives off major Wes Anderson vibes.
• Contemporary Calgary – Planetarium turned contemporary art gallery, this fresh and modern space is a blank canvas for festival films.
• Scotiabank Theatre Chinook – Attached to the largest mall in Calgary, this 16-screen theatre gives festival attendees a blockbuster experience. 

Film Line-up and Tickets 

Films are submitted each year by the end of April and the festival line-up starts getting released in early August. 

• Various levels of ticket bundles are available. About one-third of fans attend 5+ films. 
• Single film tickets get released in early September.

Outdoor Screenings 2025

Watch great films under the stars at Kensington Plaza with CIFF’s Outdoor Screenings! This year’s lineup includes Disney’s Big Hero 6 and the iconic ’90s classic Clueless.