Doors at 5:30pm

After Party: Workshop Kitchen + Culture (at the GRAND)

Alberta film is alive, well and indescribably diverse. From over 70 submitted short films, the Calgary International Film Festival has painstakingly selected seven films, featuring the best in Albertan comedy, documentary and drama. Running the gamut from a showdown between creationists and paleontologists to one man’s quest for a sperm sample, the one commonality between these unique selections is the world-class talent of the filmmakers.

Following the screening, a live jury will convene to present one innovative short with the Enbridge Alberta Spirit Award.

There will be a 15 min intermission following The Gift.

THE FILMS

Tug

14 min • Director Christopher Markowsky

Bill and Tracy are trying to get pregnant. After months of trying, Bill must provide a sperm sample to the fertility clinic to see if he is man enough to make a baby.

Where the Sage Brush Grows

33 min • Director Gillian McKercher

Calgary's underground folk music community is explored through interviews and performances by eight local artists. Featured musicians include Barry Luft, Robbie Bankes, John Leeder, Spencer Jo, Nathan M. Godfrey, Tim Rogers, Matt Masters and Mike Tod.

The Gift

20 min • Director Matt Palmer

A mother and daughter journey together, each with stage four cancer, to find the heart of life.

One Night In Aberdeen

22 min • Director Brett Ferster

On August 8, 2008, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, two strangers come together in a sleepy Super 8 Motel bar. Over the course of a blurry night, they slowly learn each other’s secrets.

Consolation Prize

11 min • Director Todd Kipp

A deadbeat dad living amongst a wasteland of wrecked vehicles tries to reconnect with his son over a surprise weekend visit.

Microwave

14 min • Director Neil Champagne

After the death of their grandmother, two brothers are forced to see eye to eye about the house they were both raised in. Will wants to keep it and Evan wants to sell it, but the pair must come to a decision.

Sharkasaurus

8 min • Director Spencer Estabrooks

A sexy paleontologist, Dr. Janet Jones, accidentally unleashes a prehistoric sharkasaurus forcing her to team up with her mortal enemy: creationist Rev. Peter Matthews. Can they overcome their philosophical differences and defeat sharkasaurus?

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Jurors select the recipient of the Enbridge Alberta Spirit Award ($2,500 cash prize) recognizing the best in Alberta short filmmaking.

JURORS:

• Cam Christiansen – Director and animator
• Corey Lee – Filmmaker
• David Gray – CBC journalist
• Michelle Wong – Film and television producer
• Robert Cuffley – Filmmaker