The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) works to bring audiences and filmmakers together through unforgettable cinematic experiences. With an 11-day festival each fall and events throughout the year, CIFF champions Alberta creators, makes film culture accessible to everyone, and fuels Calgary’s growth as a dynamic cultural hub. We spoke with Katherine Penhale, Executive Director of the Calgary International Film Festival, to learn more about what they do.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is a charitable arts organization dedicated to bringing the best of cinema to Calgary and creating unforgettable shared audience experiences. Each September, we present an 11-day festival featuring bold local, national, and international films, as well as year-round programming that connects creators, industry, and community. Our work focuses on the powerful stories, supporting Alberta filmmakers, and making film culture accessible to everyone-no velvet rope.
What problem does it aim to solve?
CIFF addresses the gap between audiences and the world’s most innovative films. We provide platforms for emerging and established filmmakers, increase access to arts and culture for Calgarians, and help local talent build sustainable careers. Our programs also support economic activity downtown and contribute to Calgary’s identity as a vibrant, globally engaged cultural city.
When did you start/join it?
I first joined CIFF nine years ago in a seasonal role as a Venue Coordinator. I progressed through various roles over the years, becoming Acting Executive Director in 2024, and was appointed Executive Director in 2025.
What made you want to get involved?
I’ve always believed that film has a unique ability to bring people together and spark collective imagination. CIFF was one of the first places in Calgary where I witnessed community, creativity, and cultural pride coming together so powerfully. I wanted to help build a festival that reflects our city’s heart, ambition, and talent and make sure those experiences are accessible to everyone, not just people who already feel they belong in arts spaces.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I first joined, CIFF was a growing festival with passionate staff and volunteers. Over the years, we faced major changes from losing our central cinema hub at Eau Claire to navigating shifting audience behaviour during and after the pandemic. Fortunately, we specialize in creative problem-solving, which we needed to keep growing while staying sustainable.
How has it changed since?
CIFF has evolved significantly since my start nearly a decade ago.
– We introduced a successful multi-venue “constellation” model that brings the festival’s energy into multiple neighbourhoods and creating a safety net of cinema-ready spaces
– We strengthened our commitment to Alberta filmmakers and industry development.
– And we’ve grown our team culture, operational systems, and accessibility initiatives so we can better serve audiences and artists.
The festival is healthier, more connected, and more future-focused than ever.
What more needs to be done?
As we’ve found our footing in a post-pandemic, post-Eau Claire world, our work is split between ensuring our core programming and capacity is strong and sustainable while dreaming big about the future.
– As the economy changes, we face funding challenges like almost every other arts organization, and those funds are critical to our mission
– The venue landscape in Calgary is still tenuous for CIFF and other organizations. The largest cinema-ready venue in downtown remains for sale. If sold, it would fundamentally change the film landscape in the core of Calgary and would leave more than one organization scrambling
– We must continue strengthening Calgary’s presence on the international festival circuit to support local creators’ careers.
There’s incredible potential ahead, but we need stable, multi-sector support to unlock it.
How can our readers help?
– Attend the festival-your ticket directly supports our programming.
– Donate to help us keep the arts accessible and support local filmmakers-our Cinematic Futures Fund campaign is designed specifically to ensure filmmakers can keep telling important stories
– Become a volunteer-CIFF relies on hundreds of passionate volunteers each year.
– Share our events with friends and family; awareness makes a huge difference.
– Partner with us if you’re a business or community organization looking to engage with Calgary’s cultural scene.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
I’d like to highlight Quickdraw Animation Society. I’ve taken a course with them, and it was spectacular. They nurture animators through training, equipment access, youth education, and year-round events—including their incredible GIRAF Animation Festival. They’re an essential part of Calgary’s creative community, supporting artists at every stage of their careers.
