The Calgary Underground Film Festival is a not-for-profit event founded in 2003. It was created to introduce local audiences to contemporary cinematic works which defy convention. The festival focuses on innovative and challenging films which thwart established filmmaking traditions.
CUFF showcases titles in various categories (feature films, documentaries, short films, animated films, experimental films) and all genres (sci-fi, fantasy, horror, thrillers, comedies, music-related films). In addition to screening great films, the festival introduces viewers to the people behind the lens by showcasing indie filmmakers from Canada and abroad.
The main goal of the Calgary Underground Film Festival is to introduce its audience to unique and innovative films which are unlikely to be screened in North American theaters as well as exciting works of up-and-coming independent filmmakers from around the world.
CUFF hosts a film competition. The festival’s jury is made up of local and visiting industry professionals who pick the best films of the festival. Jury awards are presented in several categories including Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Animated Short, Best Canadian Short. The categories might slightly change from year to year. The festival also presents the Audience Award.
CUFF’s program also includes the 48-Hour Movie Making Challenge for young and emerging filmmakers. Participants have 48 hours to produce a short film. The completed works are screened at the following festival.
Along with the Calgary Underground Film Festival, the organizers also hold the CUFF.Docs International Documentary Festival and special screenings, artist showcases and other events throughout the year.
In 2020, the event was held online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Photo: calgaryundergroundfilm.org
