Posted on August 30, 2017

This morning, live from Globe Cinema, the Calgary International Film Festival presented by ATB Financial revealed the remaining 65 feature films officially selected to screen at this year’s festival – two-thirds of our entire feature film lineup. 

“This year we had more submissions than ever before – over 2,700 – up by almost 600 over last year,” said Steve Schroeder, the Executive Director of the Calgary International Film Festival. “The quality of the films, the special Behind the Screen events we have lined up, and our biggest Opening Gala party ever are combining to bring the festival to a new level.”

“The film that begins our festival was an unsolicited submission, meaning it came to us through our open submission process, which is really what film festivals are all about,” continued Steve. “Finding those previously unheralded gems, and giving talented filmmakers the chance to shine.”

And now, the Opening Gala film can finally be revealed. This year’s festival will begin with WHEN THEY AWAKE, an uplifting, energetic documentary about the groundswell of exciting, critically acclaimed indigenous musical artists in Canada and the transformational effect it’s having on those communities and the country. Directed by PJ Marcellino and Herman Farahi, the documentary has a major Calgary connection: scenes were filmed at Folk Fest. The music theme ties in directly to Calgary’s growing brand as a music city. Presented as part of Telefilm’s Movie Night Across Canada.

Following the Wednesday night Opening Gala, the festival will continue for 11 more days, including 11 days of films at Globe Cinema and 10 days of films at Cineplex Eau Claire, in addition to other special events.  

A whopping 54 countries are represented at the festival this year, leading to an unprecedented level of diversity, and some exciting numbers.

“We’re thrilled about this year’s lineup,” said Brenda Lieberman, Programming Manager of the Calgary International Film Festival. “It has everything from crowd-pleasing films to more challenging ones, with big budgets and small. We’ve woven in genre films throughout, tons of first time filmmakers, and an increasingly large number of female directors are represented.”

One third of this year’s films are from a first-time feature filmmaker. One third of the selected films are also from a female director.

Some of the festival’s most buzzworthy films include INDIAN HORSE, directed by Stephen Campanelli. This Canadian narrative feature tells the story of an Ojibway boy raised in a residential school who grows up to be a hockey player, but is haunted by his past. In addition to the director, attending guests will be include Sladen Peltier, Forrest Goodluck, Ajuawak Kapashesit and Edna Manitowabi.

After winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2017, Swedish director Ruben Östlund brings THE SQUARE to the festival’s World Cinema Series. THE SQUARE was partly inspired by Östlund’s own experiences at one of his own art installations in the city of Värnamo. THE FLORIDA PROJECT, directed by Sean Baker (the follow-up to his 2015 break-through film TANGERINE), tells the story of a six-year-old living in the shadows outside Disney World with her unconventional family. With a cast that includes Willem Dafoe and newcomer Brooklynn Prince and a festival career that includes Cannes, Toronto and New York, this film promises big buzz.

Find the full lineup for the 2017 Calgary International Film Festival can be found here.

OPENING GALA
Wednesday, September 20, at Jack Singer Concert Hall, WHEN THEY AWAKE will open the Calgary International Film Festival. In addition to the screening, guests from the film and many other VIPs from the Canadian screen industry will walk the red carpet, including Talent Ambassadors Melissa O'Neil (DARK MATTER) and Michelle Thrush (NORTH OF 60, BLACKSTONE). A performance by Indigenous singer-songwriter IsKwé will rock the after-party. Tickets are now on sale and range from $35-$75.

TICKETS
Full festival passes, ticket packages and single tickets to all films are now on sale at calgaryfilm.com. The Eau Claire Box Office opens September 5. This year’s festival runs from September 20 – October 1. 

PROGRAM & SCHEDULE
Find the program and schedule online at calgaryfilm.com. Check back often – we will continue to add films and encore screenings for the festival’s most popular titles. 

MEDIA ACCREDITATION DEADLINE APPROACHING FAST
Please head to calgaryfilm.com/industry to apply for accreditation. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the link. The deadline for application is September 6, 2017.

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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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