“The arts have always been a conduit for change. It moves people. It affects our emotions. It affects how we see the world.”
— ROWAN FISHER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CJFF
Beyond their entertainment value, documentaries are windows into worlds that many of us would not otherwise be privy to. Filmmakers amplify issues like Indigenous rights, deforestation and gender violence on the big screen, allowing us to see and hear from those experiencing that inequality firsthand. But once the credits roll, an important question hangs in air as moviegoers file out: What now?
At the Calgary Justice Film Festival (CJFF) this question is built into the event itself. For three days, the festival screens documentaries exploring a variety of social, economic and environmental justice issues from around the world. Each of the 20+ film screenings are free of charge and followed by a discussion panel with filmmakers and local experts. Surprisingly enough, the films being shown are just the festival’s opening sequence — its main act is a pop-up market and volunteer fair.
For over a decade, the Peace Market has been a marquee event to the festival. Taking place at the Confluence Historic Site and Parkland this year, it features over 30 local artists, non-profits and volunteer organizations. Right outside the theatre doors, audience members can find answers to the ‘What now?’ question.
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Beyond the film presentations, the opportunity for community involvement is where the market really embodies the organization’s philosophy. “Our aim is to activate our community to take care of each other,” says Rowan Fisher, CJFF’s Executive Director.
Whilst the screenings at the festival introduce audiences to a particular issue, the Peace Market offers a chance for them to turn what they have watched into something tangible. Viewers can move from watching a documentary, to hearing an expert in a Q&A panel, to speaking with local charities and learning how to get involved locally.
“There has to be a hook, something that draws them in,” says Fisher. “The arts have always been a conduit for change. It moves people. It affects our emotions. It affects how we see the world.”
The bridge between storytelling and public involvement is what distinguishes the Peace Market from a standalone volunteer fair. Even international films can prompt local action. For example, as audience members learn about global issues like human trafficking and housing insecurity, they can see how these issues take shape on our own streets and what Calgarian organizations are doing to help.
Attending the festival costs nothing, creating a barrier-free opportunity for audience members to see world-class documentaries and learn from professionals making a difference in their industry.
“[The festival] is unique because it’s free. It’s really important because when you’re focused on justice issues, you don’t want any situation where some people can’t afford to go because [they] can’t pay,” says Tako Koning, CJFF board member and longtime volunteer.
With its diverse range of films, community organizations and attendees, the festival doesn’t fully know what will strike a chord with each of its audience members. However, the non-profit is confident that it can create a space for audiences to find a cause that will. While the credits may mark the end of the film, CJFF and the Peace Market offer opportunities for what could happen afterwards.
The Peace Market takes place at the Confluence Historic Site and Parkland on November 7, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m
Suggested Pairing
War on the Rockies
Set in the Albertan Rockies, “War on the Rockies” is a short film that details the rapid decline of its Eastern Slopes from coal mining and aggressive industrialization. While local residents and community leaders narrate the lived effects of the fragile ecosystem, its on-site and sweeping drone footage offer an intimate look into the habitat that is at stake.
Alberta Wilderness Association
For over 60 years, the Alberta Wilderness Association has been dedicated to the preservation of all of the province’s natural ecosystems and wildlife. The non-profit has initiated several advocacy and protection projects for various areas in Alberta, including the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies. The organization will be holding a table at the Peace Market in addition to sponsoring the showing of “War on the Rockies” on November 6 at 8 p.m.
