Health & Safety
How to Stream Films
How can I watch films online?
Once you purchase a ticket, films can be streamed on your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or television. Learn more
When can I watch a film online?
Films will be available to watch on-demand starting at 9:00 am on the first day of the film's watch window. Once a film is unlocked, you will have 48 hours to complete the film and be able to watch it as many times as you like.
How do I stream films on my Apple TV?
Ensure your television and Apple TV is turned on. Go to the App Store, search Eventive TV. Click GET to download. The app should now appear on your Apple TV as an available app. Click into the app and you will find a 6-digit code on the screen. Login to your Eventive account. Follow the instructions and head to eventive.org/tv on a different device, like your laptop or phone. From there, enter the code displayed on your TV into the box on your other device and click CONNECT. Your content library will appear on the Apple TV app containing films you have ordered. It will also show you which films are unlocked and previously unlocked.
If you're looking to add more titles to your available streams, reserve online via ciffcalgary.ca on another device.
Test your Device HERE
How do I stream films on my Roku?
Ensure your television and Roku is turned on. Search for the app by typing in Eventive TV. Click and select ADD CHANNEL. The app should now appear on your available channels. Click into the app and you will find a 6-digit code on the screen. Login to your Eventive account. Follow the instructions and head to eventive.org/tv on a different device, like your laptop or phone. From there, enter the code displayed on your TV into the box on your other device and click CONNECT. Your content library will appear on the Roku app containing films you have ordered. It will also show you which films are unlocked and previously unlocked.
If you're looking to add more titles to your available streams, reserve online via ciffcalgary.ca on another device.
I don't have a Roku or an Apple TV. How do I watch a movie on my television?
You do not need an app to enjoy CIFF streaming if you have an HDMI cable that can connect to both your television and your laptop. Once your HDMI is connected, you can now use your laptop screen to display a film on your television. Login to Eventive, click on the title you'd like to watch. Use the full-screen function on the bottom right-hand side of the viewing window and ensure your volume is at the preferred level.
If the audio is not coming out of the television but is coming out of your laptop, ensure your audio settings are assigned to the correct output (eg. the name of the television).
You can also use a casting or display feature on your laptop. If you have a windows operating system, select F8 to open your screen sharing function. If you have an apple device, open your display preferences select AIRPLAY on the device you would like to use.
You can now connect to a wireless display. Once connected, you will see options to select your television. Approve the connection and you will see what is displayed on your laptop screen on your television. Use the full-screen function on the bottom right-hand side of the viewing window and ensure your volume is at the preferred level.
Some televisions also have a built-in casting device function. When you select the inputs, there is a screen sharing option. We recommend that you use the first two suggested instructions outlined above.
Some browsers, like Chrome, also have a casting feature of their own that you can try. We recommend that you use the first two suggested instructions outlined above.
How do I use my Chromecast to watch on my TV?
If you have a Chromecast (3rd gen or later), you can watch content using Chrome.
To Chromecast from a mobile Android device:
- Make sure your mobile phone or tablet is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device.
- Tap the "Cast" icon in the lower righthand corner of the player. If no icon appears, this means casting is not supported on your device.
To Chromecast from computer:
- Open the content in the Google Chrome browser.
- Click the "Cast" icon in the lower righthand corner of the player. If no icon appears, this means casting is not supported on your device.
I don't live in Calgary, can I stream films online?
Yes! Audiences anywhere in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba can stream films online.
Are there limits to the number of streams available to the audience?
Yes. Streaming film views are capped similarly to the number of seats in a cinema: 150 - 600. We strongly recommend pre-buying virtual cinema tickets as user views are subject to capacity and some titles at CIFF have already sold out.
I bought a ticket. How long do I have to stream my film?
Starting on the first day of the film's streaming window, you will have up to 11 days to "unlock" your film and 48 hours to watch as many times as you like within the available window.
I'm trying to access an online film but it blocking me out saying "Sorry, this content is only available in the following regions: Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba." What's going on?
This year's year-round films are accessible to watch from anywhere in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba. If you live outside of these regions, we're sorry you can't join in this year.
If you do live in these regions, your internet service provider (ISP) might be sending our system a different message. Please contact our streaming/ticketing partner, Eventive. They will work with you to solve the issue. Read this HELP NOW webpage or engage in live chat support on this page.
Tech. Requirements
CLICK HERE TO TEST YOUR DEVICE
Find out if your device is compatible with our streaming technology! This quick test will take 1-2 minutes. For detailed instructions and live chat help, CLICK HERE.
You can watch content on PCs running Windows 7+, and Intel-based Macs running macOS 10.12+. You can also watch films on Android tablets and phones using Chrome, and on iPhones and iPads using Safari.
If you have an Apple TV or Roku device, you can use our dedicated apps for these platforms. If you have a Chromecast, you can cast from Chrome on your computer or Android phone.
For Windows Users: Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10
Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser. Internet Explorer is not supported.
For Mac Users: macOS 10.12 or later
Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser.
Fall Festival Tickets
When do tickets for individual films go on sale?
Single tickets went on sale on September 8 at 10 a.m.
Do you have assigned seating?
No. Seating is first-come, first-served.
There's a film I'm interested in on your website, how do I buy tickets?
When tickets become available you can purchase them:
1) Online at ciffcalgary.ca,
2) Via the Box Office Team phone line: 587.393.3730,
3) In-person at our venue box offices during the festival.
Patrons can visit us on-site at our venues one hour before the first showtime of the day. Box offices close 30 minutes after the start of the final screening of the day.
Payment Info: CIFF accepts credit payments only. Sorry, no cash.
The film I'm interested in has in-cinema screenings and is available for streaming. Does my ticket give me access to both?
No, streaming tickets and in-cinema tickets are separate. On the film page, you will see links for both options.
How much does it cost to attend the festival?
Single tickets for the 2022 festival are $14.00 including GST, plus fees. Look out for discounted ticket bundles if you'd like to save and see multiple movies.
Do you charge additional fees to my order?
Yes, a transaction fee of 5% + $0.99 per item up to a maximum of $10 per transaction. These fees are put in place by our ticketing and payment processing systems.
Note: fees are added for online transactions and walk-up sales at the festival box offices.
Are there discounts for group sales?
If you have more than 20 people in your group or are interested in group sales for a special event, please contact the box office at 587.393.3730. For a group under 20, consider purchasing a ticket bundle with quantity variations of 3, 8, 12 and 20.
How do I redeem my ticket bundle?
When you make your first purchase on ciffcalgary.ca an account is created automatically for you at checkout.
When tickets go on sale, log in to your ticketing account before making your movie selections.
If you are properly logged in, you will be able to make your ticket reservations directly from the film page or any of our schedule views. You can redeem your ticket bundles all at once, or one at a time – it’s your choice. You can check the remaining balance on your ticket bundle at any time by logging into your account and looking at the “My Passes/Ticket Bundles” page in your account.
If you change your mind and would like to cancel/reschedule a ticket, you can do so from the “My Tickets” page in your account.
Is there an all-access Festival Pass?
Festival Passes are not available to purchase for CIFF 2022. Get the most out of this year's lineup and see the biggest number of films at the best price possible with a 20-ticket bundle.
Can I share my ticket bundle with a friend?
Yes! You can transfer the unused portion of your ticket bundle from your account to another user’s account.
Visit the "My Pass or Ticket Bundles" section of your Eventive account and click the gear-shaped icon next to the bundle that you would like to transfer. Clicking the gear-shaped icon will bring up a pop-up that says "Transfer ticket bundle." Click the link in that pop-up and enter the email of the person you would like to transfer the ticket bundle to in order to initiate the transfer.
The recipient of your ticket bundle will then receive an email prompting them to accept the ticket bundle. Should you have any difficulty with ticket bundle transfers, please contact boxoffice@ciffcalgary.ca for support.
Do I need to create an online account?
Credit card purchases require an account. When you make your first purchase on ciffcalgary.ca, an Eventive ticketing account is automatically created for you. In addition to tracking your purchases and ticket reservations, your online account will allow you to add movies to your wishlist and create a custom schedule when we release the festival schedule.
Eventive has an optional feature to log in using your Facebook account. It’s a convenient option that is widely available to many websites and apps. For more information about privacy and the Eventive ticketing system, please review the Eventive privacy policy.
How will CIFF use my personal information?
Through our ticketing platform Eventive, CIFF will keep records of all ticket purchaser names, emails, and any additional contact details provided.
As indicated in CIFF’s Privacy Policy, this information will be safeguarded and not provided to any other person, organization, or government body, unless a public health order is issued by Alberta Health Services. Thank you for helping us with contact tracing efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am part of the film industry. How can I get accredited?
Industry accreditation for CIFF 2022 is now closed.
I have a code. How can I use it to redeem a stream or a cinema ticket?
There are two types of ticket codes that can be used at the 2022 festival.
In Cinema & At Home General Admission: For redemption in the cinema or for streaming.
At Home Only General Admission: For redemption for streaming only.
Note: You cannot apply more than one code at a time in a single transaction.
Rush Line
What if a movie I want to see no longer has tickets available for purchase?
If there are no more advance tickets available for an in-cinema show, a rush line will form 1 hour before the scheduled start time at the venue.
If there are tickets available to that screening, they will be sold to people in the rush line beginning 15 minutes before the show. If there are no more tickets available for virtual screenings, no more tickets will be made available. We highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.
What’s a rush line?
The rush line is admitted on a first-come, first-served basis based on the number of empty seats available in the theatre. Entry from the rush line is not guaranteed, so purchasing your tickets in advance is advisable whenever possible.
In our return to general seating, CIFF is continually monitoring Provincial regulations and Municipal bylaws as they are updated and will continue to abide by and exceed industry standards. We are following this very closely as audience, volunteer and CIFF staff safety is our utmost priority. See our most up-to-date health and safety policies here.
Venues & Admission Policy
How do I avoid lineups?
This year, in order to avoid lineups and congregations of people, doors will open 30 minutes before the scheduled showtime at Eau Claire Cineplex, and 45 minutes before the scheduled showtime at Globe Cinema.
Ticket holders must arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of the movie to guarantee entry.
What happens if I arrive late?
Your ticket guarantees a seat up to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the screening. If late seating may be disruptive, or if absent ticket holder tickets have been re-sold to the Rush Line, latecomers will not be admitted. Late seating is at the discretion of the venue staff.
Are your venues accessible?
Eau Claire and Contemporary Calgary are both accessible venues, with elevators that bring you up to the cinema, but Globe Cinema is not - there are stairs leading to both the upstairs and downstairs cinema.
If you have any questions about our accessibility, or which films play at accessible venues, please contact the festival box office at 587.393.3730.
Can I bring my children to the festival?
Yes - but there are a few things to consider. Films at the festival are not yet rated by the Alberta Classification Board. Every year we show some movies that are more youth-oriented than others but we do not suggest these films are more or less appropriate for specific age groups.
"Coming of Age," and "Generation Next" are tags that we sometimes use to describe the themes in our films; however, this does not mean that they are appropriate for all ages.
Are minors permitted at venues where you sell alcohol?
Minors are permitted at our venues.
Both the Globe Cinema and Cineplex Eau Claire are licensed, which means that you can purchase alcohol at both of our main festival venues. You will need to show a valid ID if you are purchasing alcohol.
I like to see back-to-back movies, how much time do I need between films?
When planning your festival schedule, we recommend adding a buffer of at least 30 minutes between movies and 45 minutes if you need to travel between venues.
Please note that run times of movies listed on the website do not include shorts that may precede features or Q&As. Please take those into account when considering seeing back-to-back movies. Sometimes sold-out shows, an extended filmmaker Q&A or a surprise guest can cause films to run late.
Our volunteers and staff work as quickly as possible to clean the theatre and get it ready for the next film. If we’re running a few minutes late, please be patient!
How long does it take to get between venues?
This year's film screenings take place at Cineplex Eau Claire, Globe Cinema, Contemporary Calgary, and NMC. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to walk between the venues, and 10 minutes to cycle or drive. As parking and traffic can be unpredictable, we recommend walking or cycling to films if possible.
Where can I park?
Eau Claire Market provides plenty of surface and below-ground parking. Evening (starting at 5 p.m.) and weekend rates start at $3 for 2 hours or $5 for over 2 hours. More information about parking is available on the Eau Claire Market website.
Globe Cinema street parking is available on 8 Ave and nearby streets and is free after 6 p.m. every day, and all day on Sundays. *The Centennial Parkade located just behind Globe Cinema on 9 Ave offers evening (starting at 6 p.m.) and weekend rates of $2 (the maximum amount charged). More information is available on the Calgary Parking Authority website.
*Please note: To increase the security of vehicles at the Centennial Parkade, daily between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. the parkade is accessible by buzzing into the dispatch at either of the 5 or 6 St lobby entrances. Dispatch is available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.
Contemporary Calgary has on-site visitor parking available at Calgary Parking Authority Lot 61 (Zone 9061). It is also right next to West Kerby station, making transit a cheap and accessible option. More information is available on the Calgary Parking Authority website.
NMC Parking is available in a public lot located at 724 4 Street SE, as well as directly beside Studio Bell. Street parking is also available along 8 Avenue SE and throughout the East Village. For rates, please visit calgaryparking.com, impark.com, and parkingindigo.com.
Do you have an online code of conduct?
Yes. CIFF is committed to providing a safe and positive festival environment that fosters amazing filmmaker and film fan interaction. Read more here.
Planning Your Festival
When do you announce the full festival lineup and schedule?
The full film lineup and schedule was announced on August 31 at 10 a.m. Single tickets went on sale on September 8 at 10 a.m.
There are so many movies, how do I decide what to see?
The festival’s programming team spends months choosing from thousands of films to curate a selection of approximately 180+ films that you can choose from. We have tips for choosing your films:
- If by showtimes is how you like to choose your films, our powerful new online schedule view is what you want to use. Pick your dates and see which films are available by cinema.
- Films are grouped by categories using tags, sections, and countries on our online system. Pick an intriguing tag and see the film options. You can also search by keyword. Click the filter button on the browse page.
- Only interested in streaming films? Use the "online" feature of our film browser.
- Have an older device? Use this text-only version of the film browser.
Will there be Q&As in 2022?
We look forward to welcoming Alberta-based and international filmmakers to the festival for Q&As.
How can I participate in Industry Week Events?
In-person access to Industry Week Events is only for those with industry accreditation. Global audiences can tune into our Industry Week series online via Eventive. Tickets are available for free or with our pay-what-you-can model.
Are there recommended restaurants or pubs nearby your venues?
Eau Claire mall has a full food court with plenty of options. JOEY Restaurant and MINAS Brazilian Steakhouse are also nearby.
Where do I get a program guide?
All information about our films will be available exclusively online at ciffcalgary.ca or on Eventive.
Refunds & Exchanges
What is your exchange policy?
During the Fall Festival, ticket exchanges for in-cinema and streaming tickets of equal value can be made without additional charges when previously redeemed using a pass or ticket bundle.
During our Year-Round Series events, ticket exchanges for in cinema and streaming tickets are not allowed.
Once a film is unlocked, it cannot be exchanged under any circumstances.
Complimentary tickets cannot be exchanged under any circumstances.
What is your refund policy?
Sorry, CIFF does not offer refunds.
Event Cancellation
If a CIFF event is cancelled or postponed due to action by a governmental entity or law enforcement, civil unrest, act of terrorism, war, or any other circumstance that threatens the safety of participants, staff, or volunteers and is beyond the control of CIFF, patrons can choose to have their purchase transferred to a future event, obtain a refund or donate the value of their purchase back to CIFF.
All patrons will be notified via email of any event cancellation or event postponement. The information related to cancellation or postponement will also be posted on the CIFF website. Fees incurred or donations made as part of your purchase will not be refunded.
COVID-19 Refund & Exchange Policy Exemption
A refund and exchange policy exemption may be requested if you are unable to attend an event due to COVID-19 quarantine or isolation requirements, as mandated by a medical professional or local, provincial, or federal law. This request must be received before the start of the event. You may request a refund policy exemption by emailing boxoffice@ciffcalgary.ca.
Box office fees cannot be refunded as they cover external transactional fees charged by the credit card service and our ticketing platform. Donations made as part of your purchase will not be refunded.
Venue Accessibility
Accessibility at Globe Cinema
Guests requiring mobility aids (incl. wheelchair, walker, scooter), entry to the downstairs cinema can be facilitated by the Globe Cinema staff. A ramp may be installed upon request by contacting the Globe via email at info@globecinema.ca or by phone at 403.262.3308.
Washrooms at the Globe Cinema are located in the basement and on the second floor of the cinema reachable only by stairs.
Accessibility at Eau Claire
Eau Claire Cineplex is an accessible venue. Guests requiring mobility aids can access the second floor of Eau Claire Market using the elevator located near the west entrance to the market. Cinemas 1-5 are accessible via a lift located immediately to the right of the venue entrance. The operation of the lift requires the assistance of Cineplex staff. Accessible washrooms are located adjacent to Cinema 1 and Cinema 5. For additional information regarding venue accessibility, please feel free to contact Eau Claire Cineplex by phone at 403.263.3167.
Accessibility at Contemporary Calgary
Contemporary Calgary is an accessible venue. For additional information regarding venue accessibility, please feel free to contact Contemporary Calgary by phone at 403.770.1350.
Accessibility at NMC
National Music Center is an accessible venue. For additional information regarding venue accessibility, please feel free to contact the National Music Center by phone at 403.543.5115 or check out the accessibility page of their website.
Year-Round Series Tickets
When can I purchase tickets to Top Docs or Global Perspectives?
Advanced tickets for the screenings will go on sale one month before the scheduled event, subject to change.
How do I purchase tickets?
1) Online at ciffcalgary.ca
2) Phone the Box Office Team: 587.393.3730.
3) In-person at our venue box office
Venue box offices open thirty minutes before the screening. Box offices close 30 minutes after the start of the film.
I've been a subscriber in the past, how can I purchase my pass?
Because of COVID-related capacity restrictions and uncertainty, we will not be offering a Series Pass for the 2022 program.
When do you announce films in each series?
Typically, the films from each series are announced one month before the screening.
Do you have special youth or senior pricing?
No.
Do you add fees to my order?
Yes, a transaction fee of 5% + $0.99 per item up to a maximum of $10 per transaction. These fees are put in place by our ticketing and payment processing systems.
Fees are added for online transactions and walk-up sales at the festival box offices.
Are there discounts for group sales?
If you are interested in purchasing virtual streaming tickets in quantities of 20 or greater, contact us at development@ciffcalgary.ca.
What if a movie I want to see no longer has tickets available for purchase?
If there are no more advance tickets available for a show, a rush line will form one hour before the scheduled start time at the venue.
What’s a rush line?
The rush line is admitted on a first-come, first-served basis based on the number of empty seats available in the theatre. Entry from the rush line is not guaranteed, so purchasing your tickets in advance is advisable whenever possible.
Do I need to create an online account?
Credit card purchases require an account. When you make your first purchase on ciffcalgary.ca, an Eventive ticketing account is automatically created for you.
Eventive has an optional feature to log in using your Facebook account. It’s a convenient option that is widely available to many websites and apps. For more information about privacy and the Eventive ticketing system, please review the Eventive privacy policy.
Cash purchases do not necessarily need to be linked to an account. If you would rather not create an online account with us, you may purchase your tickets in person at the screening venue.
How will CIFF use my personal information?
CIFF will only use your information to contact you about the festival. We do not sell customer data to third parties.
Film Submissions
Submissions for the 2022 Festival are now closed. Don't miss a deadline or industry-related announcement, sign up for our Industry Newsletter.