The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is pleased to announce a series of special events and parties as part of this year’s 9th annual event. As part of CIFF’s ongoing commitment to provide stellar cinematic and cultural experiences, this year’s festival special events schedule highlights our visiting delegates, local filmmakers, award-winners and gala films. The line-up has something for everyone – blow-out gala parties, intimate receptions, awards ceremonies, fashion shows, and post-screening festivities offering the opportunity to mingle one-on-one with those whose creations have hit CIFF screens this year.

Special Events Schedule
Thursday, September 18
PRE-PARTY American Express Opening Gala: Blindness
Red Carpet Fashion Show with fashions by Joe Fresh and the Core. Cocktail reception.
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Belgo, 501- 8 Avenue SW
Admission: VIPs and gala patrons

American Express Opening Gala: Blindness
A celebration of the opening film, the gala is the kick-off to the festival and the party of the year!
Time: 9:15 PM
Where: Belgo, 501- 8 Avenue SW
Admission: VIPs and gala ticket holders

Friday, September 19
Iceland Spotlight Party
Post-screening reception following highlight film of Iceland Spotlight, featuring Icelandic food by Iceland Naturally. Director Ragnar Bragason in attendance.
Time: 9:30 PM
Where: Chicago Chophouse, 604 - 8th Avenue SW
Admission: VIPs and Children patrons.

Saturday, September 20
YYC Reception
Post-screening party to celebrate and honour the winners of our Youth by Youth Cinema competition. Filmmakers in attendance.
Time: 5:00 PM
Where: Pulcinella, 1147 Kensington Crescent NW
Admission: VIPs and YYC patrons.

Space Black Carpet Gala
CIFF’s first-ever Black Carpet Late Shows Gala. Director Grant Harvey, actors Tom Green and Dave Lawrence, producer Josh Miller, and other cast and crew in attendance. Film shot locally.
Time: 9:45 PM
Where: Pulcinella, 1147 Kensington Crescent NW
Admission: VIPs and Freezer Burn patrons

Sunday, September 21
Industry Party
The annual industry party brings together festival delegates, festival VIPs, and festival staff for a night to meet, mingle, and exchange ideas.
Time: 9:00 PM
Where: Escoba, 624 - 8 Avenue SW
Admission: VIPs and invited patrons

Tuesday, September 23
Italian Film Party
Following screening of hotly anticipated film Gomorrah (directed by Matteo Garrone).
Time: 9:00 PM
Where: Osteria de Medici
Admission: VIP and Gomorrah patrons

Wednesday, September 24
Fashion Spotlight
Diamond event of inaugural Fashion in Film series. Party takes place after screening of Eleven Minutes. Includes live fashion show by Joe Fresh Style.
Time: 9:00 PM
Where: Wild Ginger, 351 – 4th Avenue SW
Admission: VIPs and Eleven Minutes patrons

Wesley Willis After Party
Part of the Music on Film Series. Sponsored by Broken City and CJSW.
Live Music: Mt. Royal, The Hotel Lobbyists. Collapsing Opposites
Time: 11:00 PM
Where: Broken City
Admission: public event

Thursday, September 25
NFB Reception
Time: 9:00 PM
Where: Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade SW
Admission:

Friday, September 26
Aboriginal Spotlight Party
Featuring performance by Aboriginal performance artist Skeena Reese (cast member and co-producer of Homestay).
Time: 9:00 PM
Where: Escoba
Admission: VIPs and Homestay patrons

Saturday, September 27
Volkswagen Closing Gala: Bart got a Room
Celebration of CIFF closing gala film. Director Brian Hecker in attendance.
Time: 9:30 PM
Where: Flames Central
Admission: VIPs and closing gala patrons

Sweet Lady with a Nasty Voice After-Party
Part of the Music on Film Series. Sponsored by the Palomino Smokehouse & CJSW.
Live Music:: Stonehocker CD Release, The Garter Girls Burlesque, The Hours, Static in The Stars
Time: 11:00 PM
Where: Palomino, 109-7th Avenue SW
Admission: public event

Sunday, September 28
My Name is Albert Ayler After Party & Awards Presentation
**informal CIFF Wrap Party & Awards Announcement Sponsored by Escoba, C-Jazz, & CJSW
Live Music: free jazz by saxophonist Dan Meichel and music by DJ Rob Faust
Time: 9:00 PM
Where: Escoba, 624 - 8 Avenue SW
Admission: VIPs and Albert Ayler patrons