One of Dread Central's Best Horror Festivals in the World, 2022, and one of the World’s 50 Best Genre Festivals and 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee, MovieMaker Magazine 2021.

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).

Note: FilmFreeway payment is in USD. We do accept submissions through our web site in Canadian Dollars. https://www.calgaryundergroundfilm.org/call-for-submission

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 2022 onward, and any in 2023.

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 2022 - we do not recommend applying. Please contact if you have any questions: cuff@calgaryundergroundfilm.org
18 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Brock Davis Mitchell

    The most welcoming, generous, and supportive festival. Being my first festival as a filmmaker I was truly moved.

    Thank you so much to the CUFF team for helping filmmakers rise up and bringing our community together.

    July 2022
    Helpful
  • James Brylowski

    CUFF is awesome! You can tell that Brenda, Brennan, Cameron and their team put their hearts into it and work hard to put on a great festival. As a filmmaker, they make you feel super welcome. Great line up of creative and original films. Thanks for including Corners, CUFF!

    May 2022
    Helpful
  • Sonderbar Pictures

    We had an excellent experience with CUFF despite unfortunately being unable to attend in person. Can't wait to submit again with our next project! Would highly recommend submitting here!

    May 2022
    Helpful
  • Lisi Purr

    I had such a fun time attending CUFF in person for the first time. These are some incredibly knowledgable and hospitable programmers and the quality of films from around the world was outstanding. The atmosphere was fantastic and they offer some wonderful parties and panels that make it easy to network and meet awesome people.

    May 2022
    Helpful
  • Sally Bishop

    CUFF has a fun energy with a devoted genre-loving audience. Great communication and excellent programming. I love attending this festival and was honored to have a film play at it.

    March 2022
    Helpful