2024 FESTIVAL REPORT
HEY CALGARY!
The 25th edition of our festival was bigger and better than ever, and you made it possible. Let’s remember a few of our best moments!
30,751 FESTIVAL ATTENDEES
4305 FILMS SUBMITTED FROM
109 COUNTRIES
220 FILMS ACCEPTED
OUR SILVER ANNIVERSARY MARKED A RECORD-BREAKING CELEBRATION AS WE SHOWCASED THE FINEST CINEMA FROM AROUND THE GLOBE.
112 SHORT FILMS SCREENED
54 FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILMS
23 INDUSTRY EVENTS
$57K IN PRIZES AWARDED
9697 VOLUNTEER HOURS
113 FESTIVAL PARTNERS 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY USED 33% USED TRANSIT TO ATTEND
CREATING A CONSTELLATION OF CINEMA
Our 2024 festival enacted the first phase of our new venue strategy that will ensure our sustainability for years to come. The old “Hub” model focused on a central multiplex in Eau Claire, with other venues acting as satellites. In contrast, the new model is a Constellation of many downtown venues, each with one to two screens, connecting and animating downtown. Combining this with our debut year at Cineplex Chinook we joined the ranks of many any international film festivals who thrive using this model.
CINEPLEX CHINOOK
THE GLOBE
THE PLAZA
THE JACK SINGER THEATRE
OPENING GALA: THE THICKET
CIFF 2024 officially kicked off with a star studded Opening Gala at the Jack Singer Concert Hall at Arts Commons. The Alberta-made western revenge tale saw co-star Leslie Grace hit the red carpet with director Elliot Lester. The audience was filled with local cast and crew, and the after-party was anchored by local band Liquor Mountain. The evening was the triumphant return to the Jack Singer, CIFF’s first gala at the venue since the COVID-19 pandemic.
25TH ANNIVERSARY AUDIENCE AWARD FOR TOP OVERALL SCORE WINNER
wed Sept 18
THE TRAGICALLY HIP: NO DRESS REHEARSAL
Canada’s band took centre stage and started CIFF’s 25th anniversary with a bang with two sold-out screenings of NO DRESS REHEARSAL. Mike Downie’s intimate docuseries follows the rise and final days of The Tragically Hip before frontman Gord Downie succumbed to cancer.
ALBERTA SPIRIT
On September 23 the spotlight was on Alberta as our best and brightest local filmmakers strutted their stuff on the red carpet before the SOLD OUT screening of their short films. From stop-motion animation to documentary, the Alberta Spirit Shorts Package had it all, and Calgary showed up to cheer them on. A special shout out to the entire cast and crew of Barry Bilinsky’s LAST SUMMER for shutting down the carpet in style!
DARK MATCH
thurs Sept 26
The Alberta-shot wrestling horror film DARK MATCH thrilled audiences as it held its provincial premiere in Calgary, drawing none other than WWE legend and co-star Chris Jericho to the event. The film, a unique blend of horror and wrestling, captivated fans with its thrilling storyline and local production roots. Jericho’s appearance added a touch of star power to the premiere, attracting wrestling fans and horror enthusiasts alike to celebrate the movie’s launch in the heart of Alberta. DARK MATCH won the CIFF 2024 Audience Choice Award for Late Shift Feature.
INDIGENOUS VOICES
CIFF proudly showcased a diverse selection of 16 features and shorts from Indigenous creators, celebrating their powerful storytelling and rich cultural heritage. This unique lineup highlighted voices and perspectives that resonate deeply, offering audiences an unforgettable cinematic journey through the artistry and traditions of Indigenous communities.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) delivered a stunning lineup of new Special Presentations, featuring top-notch talent and renowned directors. Among the must-see movies were Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning ANORA and RUMOURS, an innovative feature by Canadian auteur Guy Maddin.
Mohammad Rasoulof’s THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG took audiences on a powerful journey into betrayal, family, and totalitarianism.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
With two sold-out showings, THE APPRENTICE, starring Sebastian Stan, took filmgoers into the early days of a once and future U.S. President.
Adding a comedic flair was MY OLD ASS, starring the incomparable Aubrey Plaza, which quickly became a crowd favourite. CIFF’s Special Presentation lineup showcased a thrilling mix of genres and styles, making it an unforgettable celebration of world cinema.
YOUTH BY YOUTH CANADA
Youth By Youth Canada made a powerful impact at CIFF, shining a spotlight on emerging talent by programming and awarding outstanding films created by student filmmakers from across the country. This initiative celebrated the creativity and hard work of young filmmakers, giving them a platform to showcase their stories and hone their craft on a professional stage. Additionally, CIFF’s Generation Next program provided an incredible opportunity for local high school students, granting them free access to all festival films. This initiative aimed to inspire the next generation of cinema lovers and creators, exposing students to a diverse array of films and sparking their interest in storytelling through film. By supporting young voices, CIFF fostered a new wave of creative talent and encouraged the community to engage with the art of filmmaking at every age.
INDUSTRY WEEK
CIFF’s Industry Week was a hub of activity and networking for Alberta’s film professionals, offering a packed schedule of events designed to support and grow the local industry. Our Career Fair at Chinook Centre drew a huge turnout and connected aspiring filmmakers and industry members with valuable career resources and opportunities. The week also featured 14 engaging industry panels, covering a diverse range of topics—from film production and funding strategies to the latest in publicity, screenwriting, and distribution.
INDUSTRY WEEK
Sept 20–23
The highlight of Industry Week was an inspiring keynote event by acclaimed director Sook-Yin Lee, moderated by local filmmaker Gillian McKercher. With events like these, CIFF’s Industry Week reinforced its role as an essential space for Alberta’s film industry to connect, grow, and thrive.
CONNECTFIRST CREDIT UNION PRESENTS THE CIFF BLOCK PARTY
Presented by connectFirst Credit Union, the first-ever CIFF Block Party took place in the vibrant neighbourhood of Kensington, creating a festive atmosphere that brought the community together for a night of film, music, and fun.
We set up an outdoor screen and kicked off the evening with a special showing of A Goofy Movie, complete with an introduction by guest Jason Marsden, the voice behind Max Goof. Fans were thrilled to hear from Marsden before reliving this animated classic. Following the family favourite, we treated audiences to screenings of the cult hits Office Space and The Blair Witch Project, celebrating the 25th anniversary of all three films and adding a touch of retro magic to the night.
CONNECTFIRST CREDIT UNION PRESENTS THE CIFF BLOCK PARTY
The block party wasn’t just about movies—it also featured an exciting music stage with live performances from local talents like Lushings, Tyra Sanderson, The Break-Ins, and Oranje, adding an upbeat, lively soundtrack to the evening. With great films, live music, and a welcoming community vibe, the connectFirst Credit Union Block Party brought together film lovers, families, and festival-goers for a memorable celebration.
LUCKY STAR CLOSING GALA
CIFF’s closing night was headlined by the world premiere of Lucky Star, a powerful family drama directed by Gillian McKercher. The film captivated audiences with its heartfelt story and standout performances by Terry Chen and Andrew Phung, making it a truly special way to close out the festival. The evening was filled with excitement as cast and crew walked the red carpet, greeted by enthusiastic fans and press, setting a glamorous tone for the night. After the screening, the celebration continued with an electric after-party that brought together filmmakers, fans, and industry professionals. Adding a unique cultural touch to the event, talented local lion dancers performed traditional Chinese dances, mesmerizing guests with their intricate choreography, vivid costumes, and rhythmic drumming. The performances honoured the cultural themes explored in Lucky Star and left a lasting impression on attendees. CIFF’s closing night not only showcased an extraordinary film but also highlighted the vibrant spirit of community, artistry, and celebration that the festival embodies.
AWARDS
For 25 years, the Calgary International Film Festival has celebrated the artistry and innovation of filmmakers and creatives worldwide. Showcasing 200+ short and feature-length films, the festival recognizes outstanding achievements in film through awards and prizes worth over $50,000. These awards are presented by a distinguished panel of jurors. In addition to the juried awards, CIFF presents the TELUS audience choice awards, allowing attendees to vote for their favourite films. CIFF is a qualifying, accredited festival for the Academy Awards®️and the Canadian Screen Awards.
JURY AWARDS
RBC Emerging Canadian Artist Award ($10,000 CAD)
Grand Jury Prize: UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE, directed by Matthew Rankkin
Honourable Mention: WE FORGOT TO BREAK UP, directed by K. Knox
DGC Canadian Documentary Feature Award ($5,000 CAD)
Grand Jury Prize: WILFRED BUCK, directed by Lisa Jackson
Honourable Mention: SINGING BACK THE BUFFALO, directed by Tasha Hubbard
Best International Narrative Feature Award ($1,000 CAD)
Grand Jury Prize: MY FAVOURITE CAKE, directed by Maryam
Moghaddam & Behtash Sanaeeha
Honourable Mention: BOB TREVINO LIKES IT, directed by Tracie Laymon
International Documentary Feature Award ($1,000 CAD)
Grand Jury Prize: BLACK BOX DIARIES, directed by Shiori Ito
Honourable Mention: DAHOMEY, directed by Mati Diop
Special Jury Prize for Artistic Subversion: SECRET MALL
APARTMENT, directed by Jeremy Workman
Short Film Grand Jury Prize ($2,500 CAD)
THE ASSISTANT, directed by Pierre Llanos
Special Jury Prize for Social Relevance: CAMPING, directed by Sacha Michaud, Alyssa Ashmore & Nicole Calfchild
Special Jury Prize for Acting: Kosar Ali in MUNA, directed by Warda Mohamed
Alberta Short Film Devon Bolton Memorial Award
($1,000 CAD +$10,000 Gift Card from Sunbelt Rentals)
Grand Jury Prize: LAST SUMMER, directed by Barry Bilinsky
NBCUniversal Youth by Youth Canada Short Film Award
($1,000 CAD + up to $18,000 scholarship to Vancouver Film School + $2,500 Gift Card from Sunbelt Rentals)
Grand Jury Prize: NIX’S SYMPHONY, directed by Karina Loerchner
Special Jury Prize for Directing: LIFE CO., directed by Zoe
Elizabeth Maier & Edie Louise Sawyer
Special Jury Prize for Emerging Talent: BEHIND THE DOOR, directed by Una Roulston
Special Jury Prize for Editing: THUNDERBIRD AND KILLER
WHALE: S-hwuhwa’us & Qul-lhanumutsun, directed by Jason Cheng
Live Action Short Film Award ($1,000 CAD)
Grand Jury Prize: SOME KIND OF PARADISE, directed by Nicholas Finegan
Animated Short Film Award ($1,000 CAD)
Grand Jury Prize: THE MIRACLE, directed by Neinke Deutz
Documentary Short Film Award ($1,000 CAD)
Grand Jury Prize: HELLO STRANGER, directed by Amélie Hardy
Experimental Short Film Award ($1,000 CAD)
Grand Jury Prize: CORPUS AND THE WANDERING, directed by Jo Roy
Student Short Film Award Presented by IndigeKin
Productions ($1,000 CAD)
Grand Jury Prize: BUG DINER, directed by Phoebe Jane Hart
AWARDS
TELUS AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS
Audience Choice Award Alberta Feature LUCKY STAR, directed by Gillian McKercher
Audience Choice Award Canadian Narrative Feature DRIVE BACK HOME, directed by Michael Clowater
Audience Choice Award Canadian Documentary Feature SINGING BACK THE BUFFALO, directed by Tasha Hubbard
Audience Choice Award New American Cinema Feature BOB TREVINO LIKES IT, directed by Tracie Laymon
Audience Choice Award International Narrative Feature MY FAVOURITE CAKE, directed by Maryam Moghaddam & Behtash Sanaeeha
Audience Choice Award International Documentary Feature SECRET MALL APARTMENT, directed by Jeremy Workman
Audience Choice Award Late Shift Feature DARK MATCH, directed by Lowell Dean
Audience Choice Award Music on Screen Feature GODDESS OF SLIDE: THE FORGOTTEN STORY OF ELLEN MCILWAINE, directed by Alfonso Maiorana
Audience Choice Award Special Presentations Feature ROAD DIARY: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND, directed by Thom Zimny
Audience Choice Award Alberta Short INISKIM - RETURN OF THE BUFFALO, directed by Leanne Allison & Pete Balkwill
Audience Choice Award Narrative Short PALESTINE ISLANDS, directed by Nour Ben Salem & Julien Menanteau
Audience Choice Award Animated Short THE SUN IS BAD, directed by Sum Yee Rachel Mow
Audience Choice Award Documentary Short A SWIM LESSON, directed by Rashida Jones & Will McCormack
25TH ANNIVERSARY AUDIENCE AWARD FOR TOP OVERALL SCORE WINNER
25th Anniversary Audience Award for Top
Overall Score: THE TRAGICALLY HIP: NO DRESS REHEARSAL, directed by Mike Downie
PRESENTING PARTNER
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to connectFirst Credit Union for being the Presenting Sponsor of CIFF for the third consecutive year. Their unwavering support and commitment to the arts have been instrumental in bringing worldclass cinema to our community. Together, we’ve created unforgettable experiences, inspired audiences, and strengthened Calgary’s cultural scene, by championing the power of storytelling and continuing to be an invaluable partner in our journey. The merger between connectFirst and Servus Credit Unions, creating the secondlargest credit union in Canada, presents an exciting opportunity to continue playing a role in creating a vibrant arts scene in Calgary, and throughout Alberta.
PRESENTING PARTNER
“ConnectFirst is proud to have once again been the Presenting Partner of the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF). This is always an exciting event for the city’s arts community and we are honoured to play a role in supporting its success. Thank you to our partners at CIFF for again allowing us to help Calgarians experience the magic of film.”
-Don Norris, Head of Marketing, Connect First & Servus Credit Union
PARTNERS
PRESENTING PARTNER
connectFirst Credit Union
Directors Guild of Canada - Alberta
District Council
Rocky Mountain Film Studio
MAJOR PARTNERS
Cineplex
Calgary Economic Development
Tourism Calgary
PUBLIC FUNDERS & FOUNDATIONS
Telefilm
Alberta Foundation for the Arts
Calgary Arts Development
Calgary Foundation
Alberta Film Commission
Canada Council for the Arts Government of Canada
Government of Alberta
Rozsa Foundation
City of Calgary
AWARD PARTNERS
Royal Bank of Canada
TELUS originals
Directors Guild of Canada
NBCUniversal Canada
Vancouver Film School
Sunbelt Rentals
IndigeKin Productions
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Royal Bank of Canada
Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada
Canada Media Fund
IATSE Local 212
Bow Valley College
ACTRA Alberta
Creatives Empowered
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Humainologie
Canadian Media Producers Association
Alberta Media Production Industries Association
Prairie Dog Film + Television
Canadian Cinema Editors
Alberta Post Production Association
ICG 669
FILM SECTION PARTNERS
SVR Lawyers
Orogen Entertainment
Jerilyn Wright & Associates
Ship & Anchor
FESTIVAL PARTNERS
Forward Level
Cadillac Fairview
Calgary Foundation
Hopewell PwC
Humanis
Craig Senyk Initiatives
Dept.9 Studios
MNP
Binder Productions
University of Calgary
Bishop & McKenzie
Stone Olafson
Contemporary Calgary
Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown
Hotel
The Plaza Theatre
Conway Injury Law
Taylor Law
Fidelity Manufacturing Group
MEDIA PARTNERS
CTV
Virgin Radio
CJAY-92
CBC Calgary
The Scene
RANGE
CJSW
Daily Hive
Pattison
OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS
Eventive
Wild Life Distillery
The Establishment Brewing Company
Village Brewery
Minas Brazilian Steakhouse
MBS Equipment
FILM CIRCLE DONORS
GOLD:
Cody Slater & Bernadette Geronazzo
Kelly Hewson
Mary Rozsa de Coquet
Paul Moore & Susan Swan
Therese ‘Tag’ Goulet
SILVER:
Catherine Anderson
Chris and Sue Mylde
Elizabeth Middleton
Jil Macdonald
Jeff & Louise Gill
Josée Duchesne & Trent Meyer
Joy Williams & Stafford Gorsalitz
Karen Cosenza & Lindsay Horne
Kelly Pitaoulis & Zack Laurent
Lori Montgomery
Lynn Moen & Steve Schroeder
Nevena Ivanovic
Peter & Terry Wallis
Phillip Johnson & Jill MacKenzie
Quinton Rafuse & Karin Põldaas
Sammi Ha
Samantha Beaupré &
Michael Dettner-Owens
Terry & Becky Rock
OUR PEOPLE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Amish Morjaria, President
Kristin Anderson, Vice President
Sammi Ha, Treasurer-Secretary
Zahra Allidina, Director
Gurleen Gill, Director
Chelsea Hazewinkel, Director
Eva Kanovich, Director
Jil Macdonald, Director
Elizabeth Middleton, Director
Kathryn Nyland, Director
Kelly Pitaoulis, Director
Quinton Rafuse, Director
Terry Rock, Director
Alan Ross, Director
STAFF
EXECUTIVE
Katherine Penhale, Executive Director
Ashley Menzies, Stakeholder & Funder
Relations Associate
Courtney Smith, Special Events Associate
Phillip Johnson, Controller
Phyllis Lizacich, Bookkeeper
Randi Rhodes, Payroll Administrator
Stephen Schroeder, Strategic Advisor
ARTISTIC, PROGRAMMING & INDUSTRY
Brian Owens, Artistic Director
Brenda Lieberman, Lead Programmer & Jury Coordinator
Adam Keresztes, Programming Administrator & Shorts Programmer
Celina Vides, Industry Specialist & Features
Programmer
Guy Lavallee, Features Programmer
Eman Safadi, Shorts Programmer
Matt Guerrero, Industry Relations Coordinator
Darian Macdonald, Industry Relations & Programming Assistant
Alex Guajardo, Intern
Kevin Thorn, Intern
OPERATIONS
Corrie-Ann Cardiff, Operations Manager
Rony Yoc, Volunteer Coordinator
Barry Johnston, Bingo Coordinator
PRODUCTION
K Hall, Production Specialist
Riley Kelly, Production Specialist
Hassan Rizwan, Logistics Coordinator
Domenico Daprocida, Logistics Assistant
Cole Binder, Binder Productions
Marcia Liber, Industry Week Technician
Murray Boyer, Film Tester
VENUE
Adam Arnold, Venue Coordinator
Sabrina Buzzalino, Venue Coordinator
Taryn Craig, Venue Coordinator
Stefanie Poon, Venue Coordinator
Hazel Sayson, Venue Coordinator
Sara Turner, Venue Coordinator
James Duncan, Venue Coordinator
PROJECTION
Gabriel Solomon, Projectionist Coordinator
Dylan Lindsay, Projectionist Coordinator
Phil Jukes, Projectionist Coordinator
Natsach Atanda, Projectionist
Audrey Badzgon, Projectionist
Marnie Dunbar, Projectionist
Kayla Erdos, Projectionist
David O’Brien, Projectionist
Isaac Pollard, Projectionist
BOX OFFICE
Max Maxwell, Box Office Coordinator
Jack Olszewski, Box Office Coordinator
Eli Sunga, Cashier
Shania Shot Both Sides, Cashier
Conrad Belau, Cashier
Holly Desimone, Cashier
Winnie Hermans-Schouten, Cashier
Tayla Mapatac, Cashier
Marcus Mueller, Cashier
Kirsten Toth, Cashier
Ashley Wilson, Cashier
ENGAGEMENT
Amanda Mercado, Director of Philanthropy
Lucia Juliao, Partnerships Director
Jason Do, Engagement Coordinator
MARKETING & ENGAGEMENT
Clinton Hallahan, Marketing Manager
Gaby Aguilar, Marketing Coordinator
Jocelyn Illing, Marketing Assistant
Aldona Barutowicz, Publicist
Michael Grondin, Lead Photographer
Matt McKinney, Content Associate
Heather Saitz, Graphic Designer
Brian Cairns, Web Developer
IDEA GUIDES
Guides work with CIFF to challenge and support us on our journey towards reconciliation, and greater inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA). We are grateful to this new and growing circle:
Jordan Baylon
Cheryl Foggo
Kevin Littlelight
Shivani Saini
Sable Sweetgrass
