This five-day festival is bringing film, culture, and community to Calgary

The Calgary Black Film Festival (CBFF) is back in the city for another year, bringing five days of films that actually make you stop and think. It’s not just about watching movies; it’s about hearing perspectives from around the world that often don’t get the attention they deserve.

About the Calgary Black Film Festival

The festival features a curated selection of films from across the globe, with more than 45 titles in this year’s lineup. That includes everything from Canadian spotlight films to international projects, with stories that explore identity, culture, resilience, and creativity in ways that feel personal and powerful.

Some of the featured titles include Pasa Faho, Subjects of Desire, and Taking Up Space, along with a mix of short film programs and documentary screenings. There is a good balance of in-theatre and online options, too, which makes it super easy to tune it to whatever works for you.

Alongside screenings, the festival creates space for dialogue around cultural, social, and economic realities affecting the Black communities. It is built on the idea that film can do more than entertain; it’s an opportunity to inform and bring people together in a meaningful way.

Plan your visit

The Calgary Black Film Festival will run from May 22 to May 26, as a hybrid event with both in-person and online programming.

It is primarily hosted at the Globe Cinema in downtown Calgary, with additional programming at venues such as the Calgary Central Library and Memorial Park Library.

Tickets start at $59 for in-person access and $49 for online all-access passes. If you are looking for something a little more elevated, opening night VIP tickets are also available for $100 and include access to all in-person films, the opening night red carpet, and entry to the CBFF after-party.

There is something about film festivals like this that you don’t fully appreciate until you’re actually experiencing it for yourself.

When: Friday, May 22, to Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Time: Times vary
Where: Globe Cinema – 617 8th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $49

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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