Posted on August 3, 2016

CALGARY – Today the Calgary International Film Festival announced the First Wave of Films screening at the 2016 Festival. The first film announcement is all about music, including five films from CIFF’s Music On Screen series, as well as additional music-themed films. From the grassroots of rock n’ roll, to hip hop, folk and everything in between: the Calgary International Film Festival showcases the best of movies where music plays the starring role. 

The Music on Screen series is a long-standing tradition at CIFF, with films focusing on any and every genre of music, making it a fan favourite for Calgary audiences. Five films have been confirmed so far:
THE AMERICAN EPIC SESSIONS – Directed by Bernard MacMahon       
GARY NUMAN: ANDROID IN LA LA LAND – Directed by Rob Alexander and Steve Read
ORDINARY DAY – Directed by Lee Kirk
HIRED GUN – Directed by Fran Strine
SIDEMEN: LONG ROAD TO GLORY – Directed by Scott Rosenbaum
STRONGER THAN BULLETS – Directed by Matthew Milan

"One of the really cool themes that has emerged in the Music On Screen series this year is a number of films that shine the spotlight on those who don't necessarily get all the glory,” said Guy Lavallee, Music On Screen Features Programmer for the Calgary International Film Festival. “From session musicians to sidemen; from innovators to ground breakers, this year's films celebrate some of our generation’s greatest musicians – some of whom are household names...and some of whom soon will be."

In a festival first, one of these films will be shown at the just-opened Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. THE AMERICAN EPIC SESSIONS will screen at the Performance Hall at Studio Bell, on Wednesday, September 28 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the screening cost $15 and are now on sale.

"Music and film are intrinsically linked as an art form, and films about music and musically themed films are a staple sub-genre of cinema. With Studio Bell now open, we’re eager to expand relationships with our cultural cousins, especially here in our own backyard," said Adam Fox, Director of Programs, National Music Centre. "Partnering with the Calgary International Film Festival is such a natural fit."

Additional films will be confirmed for the Music On Screen series in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the Calgary International Film Festival also announced one more music-themed, screening in other series this fall: 

SONITA (Documentary Series) – Directed by Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami 

The full lineup of films will be announced September 7, 2016. Single tickets to all films will go on sale at this time. Early bird festival passes and ticket packages are on sale now, and get you admission to any of the above films. Early Bird Pricing ends August 12.

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For more information or to book interviews contact:
Nadine bibi, Marketing Director, The Calgary International Film Festival
nadine.bibi@calgaryfilm.com
403.452.4845

About the Calgary International Film Festival

The Calgary International Film Festival (Calgary Film) is a 12-day showcase of up to 200 multi-genre feature and short films from Canada and over 40 other countries. The festival hosts gala events, screenings, special presentations, and a Behind the Screen series that emphasizes unique and exciting ways for filmmakers and fans to interact.

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