Moviemaker’s 50 Film Festivals Worth The Entry Fee 2026, 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.

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 2025 onward, and any in 2026.

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 2026 - we do not recommend applying. Please contact if you have any questions: cuff@calgaryundergroundfilm.org
38 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alex Montilla

    Easily the best festival experience I've ever had. It can probably never be bested, only tied. Brenda and her team are amazing, they care about the filmmakers and their films. I hope to make another film good enough to get in just to go back and hang.

    May 2026
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  • Jasmine De Silva

    CUFF is one of the best festivals we've been to with our film Beauty Sleep! The hospitality and communication is incredible. Amazing networking opportunities. CUFF knows how to fill a cinema! We played in a sold shorts block with around 400+ audience. Amazing for both feature and short filmmakers to have such a great audience. I hope to come back!

    April 2026
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  • Max August

    CUFF has always been a bucket list festival of mine, and it totally lived up to the hype. Great staff, great audiences, and a great time!

    April 2026
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  • Kaytlyn Turner

    CUFF is the best. No other festival has such a supportive community and exciting programming.

    May 2025
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  • Elijah Ziegler

    With great communication, an engaging staff, electric audiences, inspired programming, and unparalleled hospitality, it's clear that Brenda and co have created something special in Calgary. I'm grateful to have had my new short's world premiere at this wonderful festival <3

    May 2025
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