Calgary Black Film Festival; supported by Global Calgary & 770 CHQR

Support diversity on- and off-screen and support Black filmmakers & authentic Black stories. The 2nd annual Calgary Black Film Festival (#CBFF22) will take place with both online and in-person screenings in Calgary from May 26 to 29.

The Calgary Black Film Festival’s bold and diverse programming is moving to a hybrid model this year with its first in-person offering in Calgary, with continued Online programming for accessibility across Canada and the world. Through films and various panels, this hybrid second edition is aimed at the public from all communities as it highlights the talent of creators from diverse backgrounds and makes room for them to reflect on the issues they face. The in-person screenings and events will take place at the Globe Cinema, the Dome Theater, the Calgary Memorial Park Library and the Calgary Central Library. 

The festival will open on Thursday, May 26 at 7pm with Desiree Kahikopo-Meiffret’s THE WHITE LINE, at the Globe Cinema: a riveting untold love story between a man and woman who do not see race and colour, subconsciously going against society’s norms and find solace in love in an era where love was restricted to you only loving your kind. At 9pm, all films will be accessible online.

The CBFF will close with Calgary filmmaker Enver Samuel’s feature documentary, MURDER IN PARIS, a political crime thriller that traces the motives for the assassination of anti-Apartheid activist, Dulcie September.

This second edition’s highlights include the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA short film series – with films from Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa and Vancouver – as well as TUG OF WAR, DEAR JACKE and BONUM.

In-person discussions will take place at the Memorial Park Library (1221 2nd Street SW, Calgary) and include:

• Meet the Filmmakers: This panel will focus on their inspirations, the obstacles, the improvements and
  the positive points of being a Black content creator in Calgary.
• Networking-The How To Rules for Approaching People in the Industry: The entertainment industry is not only about talent but also the ability to network. Knowing how to approach people with the intent of creating powerful bonds and solid support systems will take you a long way. This panel will discuss how to successfully accomplish this.
• Victories and Challenges of Calgary’s Black Community: The last two years were extremely challenging for many entrepreneurs and organizations, especially those from Black communities. This panel will discuss some of the obstacles Calgary’s Black community faced during this unprecedented situation. And most importantly, how people managed to rise up and find victories during these difficult times.

Online discussions include:

• The Art of Marketing- How to communicate your film or tv series to a broader audience: Every movie or tv series has its target audience, and sometimes, finding them is not an easy task. This panel will discuss how these marketing teams work to create a connection between the audience and the project, sparking people’s curiosity and the desire to follow these unknown adventures.
• In Our Own Voice – What is said, How it is Said and Who should Say It: The industry is trying to find more content representing a diversity of voices but these films and TV shows do not always have BIPOC members in their creative teams, perpetuating the problem. This panel will feature Black industry leaders and creatives who will look at these difficult questions and discuss ways to advocate lasting and significant change.

The #CBFF22 All Access Pass is available for only $55 and gives access to the entire ONLINE programming and can be purchased on the festival’s website. In-person, single tickets for individual films and short series are available for $12 and $20 for the Opening Night film. Both can be purchased on the festival’s website.