Calgary 
Events Description
Every year, we celebrate 40+ countries and up to 200 films. From comedy to drama, foreign masters to indie darlings, there’s something for everybody. Find your new favourite film with CIFF – in the cinema or at home with streaming!
This year’s Festival showcases an extraordinary collection of award winners, audience favourites, bold new voices, and highly anticipated premieres from around the world. The celebration culminates with the Closing Night presentation of SMUDGE THE BLADES, directed by Cody Lightning. Lightning returns to CIFF following his appearance at the Festival in 2023 for the Closing Night screening of his film HEY, VIKTOR! The highly anticipated new film offers audiences another opportunity to experience Lightning’s distinctive voice and filmmaking style on the big screen. Together, the 2026 lineup celebrates the very best in global cinema while reaffirming CIFF as Western Canada’s premier destination for discovering extraordinary films on the big screen.
Among this year’s most anticipated presentations is PAPER TIGER, the acclaimed new drama from visionary filmmaker James Gray, making its Canadian premiere at CIFF. Fresh from Cannes and its North American Premiere at New York Film Festival, the gripping story follows two brothers drawn into the dangerous world of the Russian mafia, with powerhouse performances from Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller. The lineup continues with THE DEBUT, Jesse Eisenberg’s sharp and intimate new film about a shy woman cast in a community theatre musical who becomes increasingly captivated by her director, blurring the lines between performance and reality. I PLAY ROCKY, the latest from GREEN BOOK director Peter Farrelly, brings another distinctive voice to the lineup, while WILD HORSE NINE, written and directed by Oscar-winner Martin McDonagh, and making its Alberta premiere, takes audiences to Easter Island on the eve of the 1973 Chilean coup. Starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell as CIA agents whose seemingly routine assignment becomes entangled in conspiracies, buried histories, and an unexpected connection with two rebellious students, the film promises McDonagh’s signature blend of dark humour, tension and unpredictability.
Who is it for?
All ages
HOW MUCH
Tickets :
Varies
How to get tickets?
WHEN & WHERE
Date: September 24 – October 4, 2026 – Schedule
Venue & Address
Various Venues, Calgary and online.
Wheelchair accessible
Paid Parking
Accessible by Public Transport
