Festival Ticket Basics
When do tickets for individual films go on sale?
Check back soon for 2025 on sale dates!
Do you have assigned seating?
No. Seating is first-come, first-served.
There's a film I'm interested in on your website, how do I buy tickets?
When tickets become available you can purchase them:
1) Online at our ticketing provider Eventive
2) Via the Box Office Team phone line: 587.393.3730,
3) In-person at our venue box offices during the festival.
Patrons can visit us on-site at our venues one hour before the first showtime of the day. Box offices close 30 minutes after the start of the final screening of the day.
Payment Info: CIFF accepts credit payments only. Sorry, no cash.
The film I'm interested in has in-cinema screenings and is available for streaming. Does my ticket give me access to both?
No, streaming tickets and in-cinema tickets are separate. On the film page, you will see links for both options.
How much does it cost to attend the festival?
Single tickets for the 2024 festival are $17 including GST and ticketing fees. Special presentation tickets are $19 including GST and ticketing fees. Look out for discounted ticket bundles if you'd like to save and see multiple movies.
Do you charge additional fees to my order?
Yes, a transaction fee of 5% + $0.99 per item up to a maximum of $10 per transaction. These fees are put in place by our ticketing and payment processing systems.
Note: fees are added for online transactions and walk-up sales at the festival box offices.
Are there discounts for group sales?
If you have more than 20 people in your group or are interested in group sales for a special event, please contact the box office at 587.393.3730. For a group under 20, consider purchasing a ticket bundle with quantity variations of 5, 8, 12 and 20.
Do I need to create an online account?
Credit card purchases require an account. When you make your first purchase on ciffcalgary.ca, an Eventive ticketing account is automatically created for you. In addition to tracking your purchases and ticket reservations, your online account will allow you to add movies to your wishlist and create a custom schedule when we release the festival schedule.
Eventive has an optional feature to log in using your Facebook account. It’s a convenient option that is widely available to many websites and apps. For more information about privacy and the Eventive ticketing system, please review the Eventive privacy policy.
How will CIFF use my personal information?
Through our ticketing platform Eventive, CIFF will keep records of all ticket purchaser names, emails, and any additional contact details provided.
As indicated in CIFF’s Privacy Policy, this information will be safeguarded and not provided to any other person, organization, or government body.
I have a code. How can I use it to redeem a cinema ticket?
Simply enter your code in the discount code box at the time of purchase.
Ticket Bundles
How do I redeem my ticket bundle?
When you make your first purchase on via our box office provider, Eventive, an account is created automatically for you at checkout.
When tickets go on sale, log in to your ticketing account before making your movie selections.
If you are properly logged in, you will be able to make your ticket reservations directly from the film page or any of our schedule views. You can redeem your ticket bundles all at once, or one at a time – it’s your choice. You can check the remaining balance on your ticket bundle at any time by logging into your account and looking at the “My Passes/Ticket Bundles” page in your account.
If you change your mind and would like to cancel/reschedule a ticket, you can do so from the “My Tickets” page in your account.
Is there an all-access Festival Pass?
Festival Passes are not available to purchase for CIFF 2024. Get the most out of this year's lineup and see the biggest number of films at the best price possible with a 20-ticket bundle.
Can I share my ticket bundle with a friend?
Yes! You can transfer the unused portion of your ticket bundle from your account to another user’s account.
Visit the "My Pass or Ticket Bundles" section of your Eventive account and click the gear-shaped icon next to the bundle that you would like to transfer. Clicking the gear-shaped icon will bring up a pop-up that says "Transfer ticket bundle." Click the link in that pop-up and enter the email of the person you would like to transfer the ticket bundle to in order to initiate the transfer.
The recipient of your ticket bundle will then receive an email prompting them to accept the ticket bundle. Should you have any difficulty with ticket bundle transfers, please contact boxoffice@ciffcalgary.ca for support.
Admissions Policy
How do I avoid lineups?
This year, in order to avoid lineups and congregations of people, doors will open 30 minutes before the scheduled showtime at Scotiabank Chinook Cineplex and Contemporary Calgary, and 45 minutes before the scheduled showtime at Globe Cinema and Plaza Cinema.
Ticket holders must arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of the movie to guarantee entry.
What happens if I arrive late?
Your ticket guarantees a seat up to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the screening. If late seating may be disruptive, or if absent ticket holder tickets have been re-sold to the Rush Line and we cannot accommodate you within the cinema, you are not eligible for a refund.
Rush Lines
What’s a rush line?
The rush line is admitted on a first-come, first-served basis based on the number of empty seats available in the theatre. Entry from the rush line is not guaranteed, so purchasing your tickets in advance is advisable whenever possible.
Industry & Media
How To Stream Films
How can I watch films online?
Once you purchase a ticket for a virtual festival presentation, films can be streamed on your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or television. Learn more
When can I watch a film online?
Films will be available to watch on-demand starting at 10:00 am on the first day of the film's watch window. Once a film is unlocked, you will have 48 hours to complete the film and be able to watch it as many times as you like.
How do I stream films on my Apple TV?
Ensure your television and Apple TV is turned on. Go to the App Store, search Eventive TV. Click GET to download. The app should now appear on your Apple TV as an available app. Click into the app and you will find a 6-digit code on the screen. Login to your Eventive account. Follow the instructions and head to eventive.org/tv on a different device, like your laptop or phone. From there, enter the code displayed on your TV into the box on your other device and click CONNECT. Your content library will appear on the Apple TV app containing films you have ordered. It will also show you which films are unlocked and previously unlocked.
If you're looking to add more titles to your available streams, reserve online via ciffcalgary.ca on another device.
Test your Device HERE
How do I stream films on my Roku?
Ensure your television and Roku is turned on. Search for the app by typing in Eventive TV. Click and select ADD CHANNEL. The app should now appear on your available channels. Click into the app and you will find a 6-digit code on the screen. Login to your Eventive account. Follow the instructions and head to eventive.org/tv on a different device, like your laptop or phone. From there, enter the code displayed on your TV into the box on your other device and click CONNECT. Your content library will appear on the Roku app containing films you have ordered. It will also show you which films are unlocked and previously unlocked.
If you're looking to add more titles to your available streams, reserve online via ciffcalgary.ca on another device.
I don't have a Roku or an Apple TV. How do I watch a movie on my television?
You do not need an app to enjoy CIFF streaming if you have an HDMI cable that can connect to both your television and your laptop. Once your HDMI is connected, you can now use your laptop screen to display a film on your television. Login to Eventive, click on the title you'd like to watch. Use the full-screen function on the bottom right-hand side of the viewing window and ensure your volume is at the preferred level.
If the audio is not coming out of the television but is coming out of your laptop, ensure your audio settings are assigned to the correct output (eg. the name of the television).
You can also use a casting or display feature on your laptop. If you have a windows operating system, select F8 to open your screen sharing function. If you have an apple device, open your display preferences select AIRPLAY on the device you would like to use.
You can now connect to a wireless display. Once connected, you will see options to select your television. Approve the connection and you will see what is displayed on your laptop screen on your television. Use the full-screen function on the bottom right-hand side of the viewing window and ensure your volume is at the preferred level.
Some televisions also have a built-in casting device function. When you select the inputs, there is a screen sharing option. We recommend that you use the first two suggested instructions outlined above.
Some browsers, like Chrome, also have a casting feature of their own that you can try. We recommend that you use the first two suggested instructions outlined above.
How do I use my Chromecast to watch on my TV?
If you have a Chromecast (3rd gen or later), you can watch content using Chrome.
To Chromecast from a mobile Android device:
- Make sure your mobile phone or tablet is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device.
- Tap the "Cast" icon in the lower righthand corner of the player. If no icon appears, this means casting is not supported on your device.
To Chromecast from computer:
- Open the content in the Google Chrome browser.
- Click the "Cast" icon in the lower righthand corner of the player. If no icon appears, this means casting is not supported on your device.
I don't live in Calgary, can I stream films online?
Yes! Audiences anywhere in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba can stream films online.
Are there limits to the number of streams available to the audience?
Yes. Streaming film views are capped similarly to the number of seats in a cinema: 150 - 600. We strongly recommend pre-buying virtual cinema tickets as user views are subject to capacity and some titles at CIFF have already sold out.
I bought a ticket. How long do I have to stream my film?
Starting on the first day of the film's streaming window, you will have up to 3 days to "unlock" your film and 48 hours to watch as many times as you like within the available window.
I'm trying to access an online film but it blocking me out saying "Sorry, this content is only available in the following regions: Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba." What's going on?
This year's year-round films are accessible to watch from anywhere in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba. If you live outside of these regions, we're sorry you can't join in this year.
If you do live in these regions, your internet service provider (ISP) might be sending our system a different message. Please contact our streaming/ticketing partner, Eventive. They will work with you to solve the issue. Read this HELP NOW webpage or engage in live chat support on this page.
Tech Requirements
CLICK HERE TO TEST YOUR DEVICE
Find out if your device is compatible with our streaming technology! This quick test will take 1-2 minutes. For detailed instructions and live chat help, CLICK HERE.
You can watch content on PCs running Windows 7+, and Intel-based Macs running macOS 10.12+. You can also watch films on Android tablets and phones using Chrome, and on iPhones and iPads using Safari.
If you have an Apple TV or Roku device, you can use our dedicated apps for these platforms. If you have a Chromecast, you can cast from Chrome on your computer or Android phone.
For Windows Users: Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10
Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser. Internet Explorer is not supported.
For Mac Users: macOS 10.12 or later
Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser.
Refunds & Exchanges
What is your exchange policy?
During the Festival, ticket exchanges for in-cinema and streaming tickets of equal value can be made without additional charges when previously redeemed using a pass or ticket bundle.
Once a virtual film is unlocked, it cannot be exchanged under any circumstances.
Complimentary tickets cannot be exchanged under any circumstances.
What is your refund policy?
Sorry, CIFF does not offer refunds.
Event Cancellation
If a CIFF event is cancelled or postponed due to action by a governmental entity or law enforcement, civil unrest, act of terrorism, war, or any other circumstance that threatens the safety of participants, staff, or volunteers and is beyond the control of CIFF, patrons can choose to have their purchase transferred to a future event, obtain a refund or donate the value of their purchase back to CIFF.
All patrons will be notified via email of any event cancellation or event postponement. The information related to cancellation or postponement will also be posted on the CIFF website. Fees incurred or donations made as part of your purchase will not be refunded.