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Your Guide to the Calgary International Film Festival

Grab some popcorn and a seat at Alberta’s largest film festival.

Mark Friesen
February 20, 2026
2 minute read
A crowd of people waiting outside the Globe Cinema for CIFF.

The Globe Cinema (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Calin Charles)

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Around 30,000 movie fans and filmmakers come together every September at the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) . The 11-day event showcases over 200 films from around the world and connects audiences with filmmakers through post-screening Q&As, panels, and film talks.

The Calgary International Film Festival takes place September 24 - October 4, 2026!

Why attend CIFF?

“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.

An audience waits for a film during CIFF.

The Globe Cinema (Credit: Clinton Hallahan)

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.

A group of people wait outside The Plaza Theatre during CIFF.

The Plaza (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Calin Charles)

CIFF 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.

  • Several great films usually appear as outdoor screenings at Kensington Plaza.

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