8 things to see and do during the 2020 Calgary International Film Festival
Well, folks, it’s that time of year again! The Calgary International Film Festival is back, and with it – award-winning performances, industry-altering direction, and writing that will make you laugh, cry, learn and maybe even scream, we’ve got some spooky ones coming our way, YYC! Last year, CIFF gifted us with Parasite, which actually went on to win the Oscar for Best Film, so we’re not sleeping on any single one of 2020’s films.
That being said, we have picked a few that really stood out to us, as well as a few events that we think might capture your minds and your hearts (we love a good success story) but it was not easy. Here are 8 panels and films you have to check during CIFF 2020.
The Father
Starring legend Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Coleman (Fleabag and The Crown), Father follows Anthony, an 80-year-old man who lives alone, rejecting any and all care given to him by his daughter, Anne. As Anne visits less, Anthony’s memory gives and we experience the ‘ebbs and flows’ of his ability to cling to reality and his identity.
We can’t imagine that this one will be a very easy one to watch, but the cast is outstanding and it’s the concept is real and raw. Emotionally prepare for the worst and hope for the best
When: See showtimes here
Young Filmmaker Chat with Finn Wolfhard & Weston Snider
16-year old Alberta Filmmaker Weston Snider joins, Canadian treasure and kid with more talent in his luscious locks that we do in our entire body, Finn Wolfhard (It and Stranger Things) for a panel that will likely make you feel terrible about all of your accomplishments if you’re over the age of 20.
Wolfhard, who is by no means a stranger to Calgary (Ghostbusters) makes his directorial debut this year at CIFF with his short Night Shifts and Snider is featured in CIFF’s new Alberta Spirit category with his short film Dichrome – so these two know a thing about perfecting balance, the industry and hair care. You don’t want to miss it.
When: September 27th
Where: Online only
Time: 3 pm MST
Ammonite – World Premiere
This year’s CIFF sees the world premiere of Ammonite, starring actual angels Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan.
Self-taught paleontologist Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) once famed for her discoveries, she now sells fossils to tourists to get by. After meeting Roderick Murchison through a sale, she is offered a job as a primary caregiver to his wife, Charlotte who is suffering from a tragedy. After bonding over shared trauma, Mary and Charlotte fall in love, defying social norms, expectations, and Charlotte’s husband.
When: See showtimes here
Shorts Package: LUV and LOL
Featuring a catalogue of short films including Finn Wolfhard’s Night Shifts and David, which was directed by Zach Woods (Silicone Valley and The Office) and stars Will Farrell and William Jackson Harper (The Good Place) – this package will make you do a whole lot of that feeling and giggling we mentioned earlier.
When: See showtimes here
Other films you need to see:
Girl Directed by Chad Faust
Thriller starring Bella Thorne who comes returns to her hometown to kill her abusive father, only to find out that he’s already dead.
When: See showtimes here
The Reckoning Directed by Neil Marshall
This horror flick follows a cast of dark brooding characters desperate and suffering through the English Plague of 1665. Neil Marshall has directed several episodes for both Westworld and Game of Thrones, so we really can’t imagine that this film will be anything but incredible.
When: See showtimes here
My Salinger Year Directed by Philippe Falardeau
After leaving graduate school, writer Joanna (Margaret Qualley) gets hired as an assistant to J.D. Salinger literary agent Margeret, played by Sigourney Weaver.
When: See Showtimes here
So there you have it, YYC. 8 movies that we think you have to watch at the Calgary International Film Festival. Pop that corn and get cozy, folks. It’s about to get theatrical!
