Let’s face it: movie theatres aren’t cheap. Between the tickets and the concession, you can shell out a whole grocery bill’s worth of cash. Catching multiple movies at a film festival? Out of the question, right?
Fret not, cheapskate cinephiles. The Scene has compiled all the best tips from the folks in the know so you can enjoy the Calgary International Film Festival and still pay the rent.
SAVE ON SNACKS
CIFF went absolutely crazy securing food and drink deals for moviegoers. You won’t be going hungry during the festival, that’s for sure.
“We’re thrilled to offer 2-for-1 non-alcoholic drink deals at Concorde Group venues across downtown, plus a 15 per cent discount for passholders at Double Zero and Surfy Surfy,” says Jason Do, CIFF engagement specialist. “Perfect pre or post film spots — just show your pass to the server.”
“I would sell my sister for the Surfy Surfy beef tacos,” says Clinton Hallahan, CIFF’s marketing manager. “Those guys really know their way around a sauce. It’s almost magic. They’re some sort of sauce magicians. Saucerors.”
Concorde Group’s Calgary venues include favourites like Bridgette Bar, Sweet Loretta, and Pigeonhole. Passholders also get a 15 per cent discount at The Mash in Kensington, a convenient spot to stop after catching a film at The Plaza. Lonely Mouth Bar is another venue offering 2-for-1 non-alcoholic drinks to the sober CIFF folks.
“They … have some of the best noodles and sushi in the city,” said Hallahan. “I’m going to ask if they will blend a selection of nigiri into a non-alcoholic slurry and see if I can get that under the terms of the deal.”
There are deals to snag if you’re watching a film at Chinook Mall, too. “New York Fries and Southside Burger are hooking us up this year. You’ll have to show up at the theatre to get that discount, though. Very hush-hush,” said Hallahan. “Personally, I get a hot dog and get them to put nacho cheese on it. Add some ketchup and mustard, and you are in dog heaven. Trust me on this.”
If a sit-down dinner isn’t really your speed, CIFF folks have a way around that.
“Popcorn for dinner,” Jocelyn Illing, CIFF marketing and development coordinator. “When I’m doing a double feature, I buy a large popcorn to sustain me through both screenings.”
“I love bringing my own snacks to the theatre,” said Celina Vides, Industry and Programming Associate at CIFF. “Bring your own snacks if you’re really pinching pennies, but the Globe Cinema is independent, and their popcorn is pretty cheap.”
And while Cineplex isn’t known for its cheap concessions, popcorn-for-dinner is still a viable option if you’re catching a movie there.
“Cineplex is giving out coupons for 20 per cent off concessions to all ticket holders at Cineplex Screenings,” says Lucia Juliao, CIFF’s partnerships director. “Look for the CIFF volunteers who will be handing them out.”
TICKET DEALS
Regular tickets to CIFF movies are $17. But there are a few ways to save.
“People may not know that this year we have a student discount,” said Vides. “This year, we have a way to accredit any student. Show your student ID, and you can buy an all-access pass to the festival for really cheap.”
Student passes are available for $249 for the whole festival, available over on ciffcalgary.ca.
Have a disability and need your caretaker with you, but can’t pay for their ticket? CIFF has you covered.
“CIFF now honours the Access 2 Card, which provides 2-for-1 admission to cardholders for film screenings, making the festival even more accessible for individuals with disabilities,” says Do.
If “free” sounds like your kind of discount, head downtown.
“There’s a micro-cinema at the Werlund Centre that has TVs facing the hallways, and they’re free for anyone to come and experience them,” says Vides. “We are going to have some of our shorts playing there!”
TRAVEL ON THE CHEAP
When a festival has multiple venues, travelling becomes a sneaky money sink. But it doesn’t have to be.
“We’re partnering with Bird and Neuron this year to make travelling to CIFF easier,” said Illing.
Both e-scooters are 10 per cent off for festival goers, and 50 per cent off if your trip starts and ends at a CIFF venue.
“I personally get around on my bike during the festival to go from venue to venue. It’s so much easier and cheaper to park a bike in Kensington than a car,” says Juliao.
If e-scooters and downtown bike lanes terrify you (same), then play it safe on a bus or train.
“Go to the festival on Calgary Transit and save 15 per cent on your transit ticket,” said Juliao. “Just show your CIFF movie ticket to bus drivers and transit officers.”
CIFF runs from September 18 to 28. Grab tickets at ciffcalgary.ca.
