9 Spring Film Festivals to Check Out in Calgary

Calgary has built a reputation as a film hub not only for its shooting locations, but also amongst film fans who like checking out a variety of festivals throughout the year. This spring, gather with fellow cinephiles and discover new filmmakers or watch films on the fringe. Whether you’re looking to try out new movie genres, celebrate good old-fashioned celluloid film or just catch a fun flick, here are some upcoming film festivals not to be missed.

Paddling Film Festival and Reel Rock 19

When: March 27 to 29

Presented by Calgary Mountain Film Festival, the Paddling Film Festival and Reel Rock 19 tour return for another year of inspiring film screenings. On the first day of the festival, the Paddling Film Festival highlights three striking films where various athletes and travellers voyage through the waters by kayaking and rafting. Reel Rock 19, which runs during all three days of the festival, features three films where climbers make incredible ascents and showcase their resilience.

Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave. S.W., 403-262-3309, cmff.ca

Artifact Small Format Film Festival

When: April 3 to 6

Entering its 30th year, this festival is all about celebrating celluloid film, where the films shown are all shot on Super 8 and 16mm. Opening night features a short film called Ovid, New York inspired by the poem “Metamorphoses” by Roman poet Ovid. Director Vito A. Rowlands will stay after the screening for a Q&A discussion. On the closing night, the festival highlights both global submissions and the works of local filmmakers who have taken on the challenge of crafting a film with only two rolls of Super 8 film — a nod to the festival’s former name, the $100 Film Festival.

artifactfilmfestival.com

Calgary Underground Film Festival

When: April 17 to 27

One of Calgary’s most anticipated film events, the Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) features a range of genres including horror, comedy, sci-fi and fantasy. For its 22nd edition, CUFF attendees can choose from 48 feature films and 42 short films. There are also special events like a 48-hour movie making challenge, a live script reading and an all-you-can-eat-cereal cartoon party.

Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave. S.W., 403-444-8315, calgaryundergroundfilm.org

FascinAsian Film Festival

When: May 1 to 4

Expect a beautiful celebration of film and culture at this year’s FascinAsian Film Festival. This year’s lineup hasn’t been released yet, but attendees can expect a variety of films that celebrate Asian culture and perspectives. FascinAsian takes place in Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg, and it’s on a mission to not only showcase the talents of Asian-Canadian and Asian-American artists in film, but also to create equal opportunities in the industry to tell these important stories.

fascinasian.ca

Trail Running Film Festival

When: May 2

For one night only, the Trail Running Film Festival is coming to Calgary as part of its 2025 Global Tour. This year features eight short films celebrating trail running through stories of self-discovery and resilience that show nothing is impossible.

Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave. S.W., 403-262-3309, trailfilmfest.com

Mountains on Stage

When: May 7

The Mountain Film Festival is making a one-day stop in Calgary with Mountains on Stage. The 2025 summer edition features four films showing the inspiring feats of thrillseekers in breathtaking natural environments. The lineup features a range of experiences from ascents in Andalousia in La Rubia to river excursions in Pakistan in Big Water Theory.

Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave. S.W., 403-262-3309, mountainsonstage.com

Great Divide Film Festival

When: May 8 

Get excited for hiking season with a night of cinematic adventure put on by the Great Divide Trail Running Association. The featured films have been submitted by trail hikers inspired by the Great Divide Trail. It should come as no surprise that the short films will feature the beauty and adventures to be found on the 1,100-kilometre hike in the Canadian Rockies. Attendees can also expect to hear from conservation specialist Eddie Petryshen and can check out a silent auction.

Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave. S.W., 403-262-3309, greatdividetrail.com 

Calgary Black Film Festival

When: May 23 to 27

The Calgary Black Film Festival returns for its fifth edition this May. The festival promotes Black stories and experiences, and creates an inclusive space for discussions on major cultural, social and socio-economic issues. This year’s lineup hasn’t been released yet, but in the past, the festival has highlighted documentaries, narrative films and films about being Black in Canada.

calgaryblackfilm.com

Third Action Film Festival

When: June 6 to 8

Since 2017, the Third Action Film Festival has highlighted the perspectives of older adults and topics like aging. This year’s lineup hasn’t been revealed yet, but keep an eye out for this film festival in June.

The Confluence, 750 9 Ave. S.E., 587-288-1406, thirdactionfilmfest.ca 

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