Posted on July 27, 2016

For the first time in the history of the Calgary International Film Festival, CIFF 2016 will feature the world premiere of a television program.

On October 1, 2016, Showcase Alberta: Celebrating a Decade of Heartland will officially launch HEARTLAND’S 10th season. Hot on the heels of its most-watched season ever, a Calgary audience will enjoy an advance screening of the series premiere of HEARTLAND’s new season – before anyone else.

Directed by Bruce McDonald and written by Heather Conkie, the first episode of season 10 features the hard-working, horse-loving Bartlett-Fleming clan struggling to face life’s challenges. With sweeping vistas of the Alberta foothills as its backdrop, HEARTLAND showcases the beauty and quiet dignity of everyday life.

 

A kick-off party celebrating the longest-running hour-long drama in the history of Canadian television will follow the screening. 175 episodes of HEARTLAND have been produced in Alberta, with a direct economic impact of $200 million. Not only is HEARTLAND watched, on average, by more than one million Canadian viewers each week, the series is also seen in 119 countries worldwide.

 

"CIFF is really focused on celebrating Alberta content,” said Steve Schroeder, Executive Director of the Calgary International Film Festival. “HEARTLAND is loved by fans around the world and it's filmed right here, in our own backyard."

 

Showcase Alberta is a new feature of the Calgary International Film Festival, beginning this fall in 2016. It will continue each year, celebrating Alberta’s screen industry.

 

Showcase Alberta: Celebrating a Decade of Heartland takes place on October 1, the closing Saturday night of the festival, at Flames Central on Stephen Avenue, with the red carpet action starting at 5 p.m. HEARTLAND stars Amber Marshall, Shaun Johnston, Graham Wardle and Alisha Newton have already confirmed, with more fan favourites expected to be in attendance – including Spartan the horse. Tickets to this event are $45 and are on sale now.

 

HEARTLAND is produced by Seven24 Films and Dynamo Films, in association with CBC. Season 10 of HEARTLAND will premiere on CBC in October. The series airs Sundays at 7p.m. (7:30 NT).

 

The Calgary International Film Festival would like to thank our partners in the festival and this event: Seven24 Films, Alberta Film and the Government of Alberta, the Canada Media Fund, Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), and the Canadian Media Producers Association.

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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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