Film Circle is a community of cinephiles united by the desire to support CIFF in fostering the future of filmmaking and enriching audiences through world-class film. These altruistic champions of cinema help CIFF elevate Calgary's cultural vibrancy, cultivate new talent, promote volunteerism and encourage youth education.
As a pillar of Alberta's arts and culture scene for over 20 years, CIFF is committed to platforming remarkable emerging artists, dedicating at minimum 25% of feature film programming to first and second-time filmmakers. Empowering the filmmakers of tomorrow, CIFF has also brought the magic of movies to 5,000+ students across Calgary through our youth-focused film program Generation Next.
In addition to becoming patrons of the arts, Film Circle members enjoy a premium festival experience featuring exclusive events, a private lounge and access to a 48-hour advance pre-sale window.
Thank you to Our Film Circle Patrons
Platinum Level
Joe Novak
Gold Level
Therese 'Tag' Goulet, Kelly Hewson, Mary Rozsa de Coquet
Silver Level
Catherine Anderson, Josée Duchesne/Trent Meyer, Louise & Jeff Gill, Sammi Ha, Gil Hopkins, Lindsay Horne/Karen Cosenza, Nevena Ivanovic, Jill MacKenzie/Phillip Johnson, Lynn Moen, Lori Montgomery, Paul Moore/Susan Swan, Chris & Sue Mylde, Kelly Pitaoulis, Becky & Terry Rock, Alan Ross, Becky Scott, Peter & Terry Wallis, Joy Williams/Stafford Gorsalitz, Doug Wong, Helen Zenith

Membership in the Film Circle is a great way to stay engaged with latest offerings from CIFF. Film Circle events both during the Festival and throughout the year also a unique opportunity to meet and share experiences with like-minded Calgarians who share a passion for innovative and compelling films.
D’Arcy Levesque

Storytelling is one of the most powerful social and cultural forces on earth. Not only do stories entertain, engage and enlighten, but also reveal what it means to be human and how we might live a better life. That’s why I am proud to be a Film Circle member as we help support the Festival to bring the very best stories of our time from around the world for all of us to share and experience here in Calgary.
Joe Novak

Film Circle is my way of expressing my love of films and the experience of a world class film festival, as well as helping Calgary become the type of city I know it can be.
Matthew Beswick
Film Circle Benefits
GENERAL BENEFITS: | Silver Patron $1,500+ | Gold Patron $5,000+ | Platinum Patron $10,000+ |
Tax receipt | $536 | $2,494 | $5,202 |
Listing in the donor recognition material | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Additional opportunities to deepen your engagement (customizable) | ✓ | ||
FESTIVAL PASSES: | |||
Passes (exclusive to Film Circle members) | 2 Passes | 4 Passes | 6 Passes |
Single admission (one per pass) to all in-cinema and online festival screenings | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
FESTIVAL BENEFITS: | |||
Invitation to exclusive pre-festival meetup with CIFF Programming Team to discuss festival lineup | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
48-Hour Advance Festival Pre-Sale Window | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Access to Film Circle Lounge at Eau Claire Market, with complimentary snacks & beverages | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Access to reserved seating at busier regular screenings* | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Access to a limited number of tickets held for sold-out regular screenings** | ✓ | ✓ | |
Access to one filmmaker networking lunch for patron & one guest | ✓ | ✓ | |
Festival venue parking pass (Eau Claire Market) | ✓ | ✓ | |
General Admission vouchers for family & friends (for regular screenings) | 10 | 20 | |
Right to host one CIFF reception, with potential of bringing a filmmaker as a guest (date/time/location/etc. must be fully booked by Aug 1) | ✓ | ||
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING BENEFITS: | |||
Invitation for patron & one guest to Top Docs pre-screening event | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Invitation for patron & one guest to Global Perspectives pre-screening event | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Tickets to Oscar-nominated shorts screening one week before the Academy Awards | 2 tickets | 6 tickets | |
Passes for Global Perspectives series (Nov - Apr) | 2 passes | 6 passes | |
Passes for Top Docs series (Nov - Apr) | 2 passes | ||
Opportunity to host private screening off-site during the off-season, curated by Artistic Director | ✓ |
*subject to availability - first come, first served
**subject to availability, contact filmcircle@ciffcalgary.ca at least 24 hours in advance
Please note that most Film Circle benefits are non-transferable.
A Calgary International Film Festival Film Circle membership is the best way to contribute to Calgary’s growing film industry and experience the 11-day festival. If you are ready to join, you can make an e-transfer to donation@ciffcalgary.ca, or contact us at filmcircle@ciffcalgary.ca to learn more.
The Calgary International Film Festival Society is a not-for-profit organization, and a registered charity (Charitable Registration Number: 864856927RR0001).