JOHN CANDY: I LIKE ME
Why you should see it: This heartfelt tribute to a Canadian comedy legend will be streaming in the fall, but this is your chance to see it right: on a big screen, with a white-hot audience. And come on; who doesn’t love John Candy?
NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE
Why you should see it: All you local musicians will relate heavily to “Nirvanna the Band’s” quest to play that perfect bar gig, even if you’re not familiar with the original web series. (For the record, a perfect bar gig here would be at the Ship & Anchor or the Palomino)
MIDDLE LIFE
Why you should see it: July Talk singers Leah Fay Goldstein and Peter Dreimanis star in this melancholic Canadian flick, which has its world premiere right here in Calgary!
A BRIGHTER SUMMER DAY FOR THE LADY AVENGERS
Why you should see it: Take CIFF’s short film selection out for a spin with this neon-drenched Taiwanese giallo flick, full of sexual tension and searing visuals.
FOLLIES
Why you should see it: This candid Francophone sex-comedy is co-written and stars Éric K. Boulianne (Father & Guns 2, Compulsive Liar, The Dishwasher) in a narrative that tackles the absurdities of open relationships.
URCHIN
Why you should see it: Urchin is the directorial debut of Harris Dickinson, who you might recognize from last year’s Babygirl. It premiered at Cannes earlier this year, and earned Dickinson the FIPRESCI Prize.
IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU
Why you should see it: Think Uncut Gems from a mother’s perspective. Mary Bronstein’s follow-up to YEAST is an anxious, bonkers good time.
DO US PART
Why you should see it: It’s the debut feature from Downstage’s artistic director, Clare Preuss, and stars local Cree legend Michelle Thrush in an intense, emotional dramedy. A Calgary movie for the Calgary cinephiles!
MILE END KICKS
Why you should see it: Set against the backdrop of the ‘10s indie music scene in Montreal, this story will feel immediately familiar to anyone active in Calgary’s various arts scenes. Plus, it stars both Barbie Ferreira (Euphoria) and Hollywood’s favourite hoser, Jay Baruchel.
PATERNAL LEAVE
Why you should see it: This wistful drama film was selected in the Generation 14plus section at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, and CIFF is pleased as punch to host its Canadian premiere.
FUCKTOYS
Why you should see it: Annapurna Sriram’s day-glo sex comedy has already garnered rave reviews on the festival circuit, with many favourable comparisons to John Waters.
SPACE CADET
Why you should see it: Canadian producer and artist Kid Koala infuses his debut animated feature with beautiful visuals and melancholic themes lifted from his graphic novel of the same name. And did we mention it’s jam-packed with music?
SIKSIKAKOWAN: THE BLACKFOOT MAN
Why you should see it: You’ll be awed by our rolling prairie landscape as Indigenous filmmaker Trevor Solway returns to his home nation of Siksika and explores Blackfoot masculinity.
QUEENS OF THE DEAD
Why you should see it: If the promise of drag queens and gore isn’t enough to pique your interest, the director definitely will. Tina is the daughter of George A. Romero, and her gay zombie movie is equal parts mission statement and tribute to her father.
Grab tickets for these films and more at ciffcalgary.ca.
