Posted on October 2, 2017

This morning the Calgary International Film Festival presented by ATB Financial revealed that once again, audience numbers surpassed the previous year’s attendance. With exact numbers still to be verified, at this point we are projecting an attendance of 40,400 people, well above the number of film fans we welcomed last year: 36,693 – a 10% increase.

The festival also announced this year’s awards winners, including GREGOIRE, directed by Cody Bown, winner of the new Best Canadian Narrative Feature presented by RBC – and a $10,000 cash prize. For this prize, the jury considered films with an emphasis on emerging directors and those who don’t have a history of major theatrical distribution. Meanwhile, the three winners of Best of Shorts presented by Minimax, Copyseis and Jerilyn Wright will each receive a $2,500 cash prize. The winner of the Best Overall Short, SKIN FOR SKIN, directed by Carol Beecher and Kevin Kurytnik, will also qualify for Academy Award consideration.

“The quality of the films we received this year – from 54 countries around the world – was tremendous,” said Steve Schroeder, Executive Director, Calgary International Film Festival. “And receiving a festival award often helps a filmmaker move forward with their next project. This year, in addition to our audience and jury awards, we have a new honour for Best Canadian Narrative Feature, worth $10,000 to the lucky winner.”

Also new this year at the festival was the Fan of the Year, presented by Evans Hunt and Stone-Olafson. The person who saw the most films during the festival, Malu Celli who watched 37 films over 11 days, won more than bragging rights – she also received a $1,000 Delta Airlines voucher. Anyone who saw more than 10 films is eligible to vote for the festivals Fan Favourite Award. The winner of that will be announced in mid-October 2017.

Congratulations to all the winners! Please find the entire list of below or check out our award winners page.

Jury Award Winners

Best Canadian Narrative Feature – GREGOIRE, directed by Cody Bown

Special Jury Mention – MAN PROPOSES, GOD DISPOSES, directed by Daniel Leo

Best Overall Short (Live Action or Animated) – SKIN FOR SKIN, directed by Carol Beecher and Kevin Kurytnik

Best Alberta Short – BREATHING THROUGH A STRAW, directed by Leigh Rivenbark

Best Documentary Short – AFTER LIFE directed by Prisca Bouchet and Nick Mayow

Audience Award Winners

Best Alberta Feature (Narrative or Documentary) – LIVING PROOF, directed by Matt Embry

Best Narrative Feature – INDIAN HORSE, directed by Stephen Campanelli

Best Documentary Feature – MIGHTY GROUND, directed by Delila Vallot

Best Alberta Short – SKIN FOR SKIN, directed by Carol Beecher and Kevin Kurytnik

Best Narrative (Live Action or Animated) Short – LA MADRE BUENA, directed by Sarah Clift

Best Documentary Short – STATE OF (THE) ART, directed by Chris Dowsett

Fan of the Year

Malu Celli saw 37 films during the festival

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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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