Moviemaker’s 50 Film Festivals Worth The Entry Fee 2023 & 2021, MovieMaker Magazine' World’s 50 Best Genre Festivals 2021, One of Dread Central's Best Horror Festivals in the World 2022!

Founded in 2003, CUFF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to programming films that defy convention. Through the screening of contemporary works in various categories that include: feature, documentary, animation and shorts - we bring Calgarians a unique roster of films rarely seen in North American theatres.

We actively look to showcase titles in all genres, from horror, sci-fi and fantasy to comedies, thrillers and music-related films. In addition to finding great films we are committed to introducing you to the people behind the lens, by showcasing local and international indie filmmakers. We are proud to contribute to Calgary's thriving arts community and are thrilled to bring innovative and challenging selections to all film enthusiasts.

Awards & Prizes

Jury Awards:
Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Best Canadian Short Film

Audience Awards:
Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Best Canadian Short
Best International Short

Rules & Terms

CUFF is currently accepting all film/video submissions. Film and Video submissions are accepted in all categories. Please note that for feature films, it must be a Calgary premiere. For short films, Calgary premieres have priority, but it's not a deal breaker.

We encourage local, national and international submissions.

We love all genres, and screen a variety of films from documentary to narrative, animation and occasionally music videos. However we do not screen experimental, non-narrative films. In terms of length, we do not accept mid-length films (30 - 60 minutes).

GUIDELINES:

1) Features films: must be a Calgary premiere, and not have screened in theatre, local festival or Canadian broadcast before our dates.

2) Short films: Priority is given to films which have not yet screened in Calgary.

3) We do not program films which were finished prior to last years festival.
We are looking for films which are participating in the festival circuit from May 2023 onward, and any in 2024.

4) Films must not have released on VOD, or available to Canadian audiences.

5) If you change your screener link or password, and do not notify us on your own, it could end up not being seen. We do our best to follow up, but can not always do so.

i.e. If screening at festivals prior to April 2023 - we do not recommend applying. Please contact if you have any questions: cuff@calgaryundergroundfilm.org
28 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Heston L'Abbé

    CUFF is an absolutely wonderful experience! The organizers are gracious and welcoming hosts; there are fun events planned alongside the films so never a dull moment; tons of great guests in attend so networking is productive; audiences are engaged and enthusiastic; and of course the program slate itself is exciting, diverse and high-quality. As a first time travelling for a festival, I never felt lost or out of place. It was just a great time. Can't recommend it highly enough! It's worth the trip. A first-class film festival! Thanks to the whole CUFF team! Hope to be back soon...

    May 2024
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  • Ilya Popenko

    Very warm, friendly, accommodating, dedicated, professional, enthusiastic people with great taste running this awesome operation

    May 2024
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  • Caden Douglas

    We had the best time! Excellent fest! Excellent films! Fantastic team, who work super hard to make this festival exceptional!!!

    May 2024
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  • Jake Myers

    Don’t sleep on this fest. Amazing hospitality, incredible lineup, and seamless communication!

    May 2024
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  • Nathan Tape

    Absolutely incredible festival. OFF RAMP was warmly received and the festival even gave out Faygo to the crowd! Highly recommended.

    May 2024
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