1. Introduction
Every spring, Calgary transforms into a cinephile’s paradise. The Calgary Underground Film Festival — affectionately known as CUFF — descends upon the Globe Cinema for nearly two weeks of unconventional, boundary-pushing, and downright unforgettable cinema. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fanatic, a lover of indie comedies, or simply someone who craves something different from mainstream multiplexes, CUFF has something to ignite your passion for film.
Now in its 23rd year, CUFF has grown into Western Canada’s premier genre film festival, drawing audiences and filmmakers from across the globe. It is internationally recognized, particularly in the horror film community, as one of the must-attend events on the festival circuit. With an electric atmosphere, intimate Q&As, and a programme that defies easy categorisation, CUFF is not just a film festival — it’s an experience.
The 2026 edition is shaping up to be the biggest yet. With 45 feature films, 35 short films, and 6 special events spread across 11 days, plus over 115 filmmakers and industry guests in attendance, CUFF 2026 promises to shatter last year’s record-breaking attendance of 12,500 visitors.
2. About the Calgary Underground Film Festival
History & Background
Founded in 2003, CUFF began as a grassroots passion project dedicated to bringing films that defy convention to Calgary audiences. As a not-for-profit organisation, its mission has always been clear: showcase contemporary works in feature, documentary, animation, and short categories that rarely find their way onto North American theatre screens.
Over more than two decades, CUFF has built a reputation as a festival that truly cares about its filmmakers and its audience. It consistently ranks among the top genre film festivals in the world, with a particular reputation in horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and cult cinema circles. Its supportive community, passionate staff, and curated programming have earned it glowing praise from filmmakers worldwide.
Focus on Independent, Cult & International Cinema
CUFF actively seeks out titles across all genres — horror, sci-fi, fantasy, comedies, thrillers, and music-related films — with a special commitment to introducing audiences to the people behind the lens. Both local Alberta filmmakers and international indie voices share the spotlight, creating a uniquely diverse and exciting programme every year.
3. Calgary Underground Film Festival 2026: Dates & Location
Event Schedule
The 23rd Calgary Underground Film Festival runs from Thursday, April 16 to Sunday, April 26, 2026 — a full 11 days of non-stop cinema. But savvy attendees should note that the festivities actually begin a day early:
- April 15 (Pre-Festival): National Canadian Film Day — Free 30th Anniversary screening of Hard Core Logo, with director Bruce McDonald and actor Callum Keith Rennie in attendance.
- April 16: Opening Night — HOKUM (Canadian Premiere) followed by the Opening Night After Party at The Derrick.
- April 16–26: Full festival programming — features, shorts, special events, Q&As, and panels.
- April 26: Closing Night — International Premiere of I Love Boosters, directed by Boots Riley.
Venue Details
All screenings take place at Globe Cinema, Calgary’s beloved independent cinema and the permanent home of CUFF. The festival also recommends the Sandman Hotel for out-of-town guests, offering a special festival rate of $129 per night (plus taxes) — just an 8-minute walk, 2-minute cycle, or 4-minute drive from the venue. Attendees can also enjoy 10% off at Eighty-Eight Brewing’s taproom throughout the festival.
Best Time to Attend
If you can only attend for part of the festival, the opening weekend (April 16–19) and the closing weekend (April 25–26) offer the most memorable experiences, including the marquee opening and closing film events. Mid-week screenings are often less crowded and easier to get tickets for. The special Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party is a beloved tradition and a must for families and the young at heart.
4. Film Lineup & Categories
CUFF 2026 is one of the festival’s most ambitious editions yet, offering 80+ films across multiple categories. Impressively, over half of this year’s 45 feature films (25 of 45) are directorial debuts, making it an exceptional year for discovering new voices in cinema.
Feature Films (45 Films)
The feature film slate spans horror, sci-fi, dark comedy, thriller, and drama. Highlights include HOKUM (opening night), a bone-chilling horror film from director Damien McCarthy starring Adam Scott; I Love Boosters (closing night) from hip-hop legend and filmmaker Boots Riley, featuring Keke Palmer, LaKeith Stanfield, and Demi Moore; BAGWORM, winner of a Sitges 2026 award; the microbudget slasher-comedy FRIDAY THE 69TH; and Saccharine, a genre-bending mystery featuring horror stalwart Jessica Rothe. The Fox, an Australian dark comedy with Jai Courtney and Olivia Coleman, produced by Calgary’s own Lauren Case and Blair Ward, also features prominently.
Short Films (35 Films)
Thirty-five short films round out the programme, playing across themed packages and before features. Alberta short films are given special spotlight, including BELLWETHER, FINGER GUNS, KLEE, MEGA BALL, and NEVER SEEN — all from local Calgary and Alberta directors.
Documentaries
CUFF also screens documentary highlights, including John Wilson’s The History of Concrete and Bruce McDonald’s rarely screened 2001 documentary Claire’s Hat: The Unmaking of a Film, playing April 19. Note that CUFF’s dedicated documentary festival, CUFF.Docs, runs separately November 18–22, 2026.
Special Screenings & Retrospectives
CUFF 2026 celebrates two beloved Canadian classics. My Bloody Valentine screens in honour of its 45th anniversary on April 19, with director George Mihalka in attendance. The festival also hosts World Premieres of Alberta films, including Earth to Colby by Calgary director Rino Mioc and Little Doors by multi-CUFF alum Anthony Oberbeck.
5. Ticket Information
Pricing: Passes vs. Single Tickets
CUFF 2026 offers flexible ticketing options to suit every type of attendee:
- Single Tickets: $12 per film ($10 for members, students, and seniors)
- 5-Film Packs: $50 (great value for casual attendees wanting to sample the best)
- Festival Passes: $149 (the ultimate option for serious film lovers — access to all screenings)
Where to Buy Tickets
Tickets are available online at calgaryundergroundfilm.org and through Showpass (showpass.com/o/cuff/). The full programme and schedule is also available on the festival’s official website. Industry accreditation opened in February and passes went on sale March 4, with single tickets and 5-film packs available from March 26, 2026.
Early Bird Tips
- Book a Festival Pass early — at $149, it offers the best value and removes the anxiety of individual screenings selling out.
- Sign up for a CUFF membership to receive discounted tickets ($10 per film) and early access to programming news.
- Opening and closing night films fill up fast — book those immediately when tickets go on sale.
6. Top Highlights & Must-See Events
Opening Night: HOKUM (April 16)
CUFF 2026 kicks off with the Canadian Premiere of HOKUM, a deeply unsettling horror film from director Damien McCarthy starring Adam Scott. The film follows a novelist haunted at a remote inn while scattering his parents’ ashes. Following the screening, the Opening Night After Party takes place at The Derrick across the street, featuring a live DJ set from CJSW Station manager Adam Kamis.
Closing Night: I Love Boosters (April 26)
The festival closes with the International Premiere of I Love Boosters, fresh from its World Premiere at SXSW. Directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You), this comedy about professional shoplifters taking on a cutthroat fashion maven stars Keke Palmer, LaKeith Stanfield, and Demi Moore — an all-star cast for a truly fitting finale.
Special Guests & Director Appearances
CUFF 2026 will host over 115 filmmakers, actors, creators, and industry professionals. Bruce McDonald attends for both the Hard Core Logo 30th anniversary screening and Claire’s Hat. My Bloody Valentine director George Mihalka attends for the film’s 45th anniversary screening. A live script reading on April 24 features Calgary writers Andrew Long and Val Duncan. Post-screening Q&As are a staple of every CUFF programme, making it easy to engage directly with the creators.
Returning Fan-Favourite Special Events
- Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party — a beloved annual tradition.
- 48-Hour Movie Making Challenge — an adrenaline-fuelled filmmaking competition.
- CUFFcade (12th year) — the Indie Game Bash where attendees compete in video games on the big screen.
- Free public panels open to all attendees.
7. Why You Should Attend CUFF
Indie Film Culture at Its Finest
CUFF is where cinema happens without the safety nets of studio mandates or box office pressures. Every film in the programme has been selected because it takes risks, challenges conventions, and offers something audiences can’t find in mainstream cinemas. The result is a programme that feels alive, urgent, and genuinely exciting.
Networking Opportunities
With 115+ industry professionals in attendance, CUFF is an unparalleled networking opportunity for aspiring filmmakers, writers, actors, and cinephiles. Post-screening Q&As, free panels, and the festival’s social events all provide genuine opportunities to connect with creators whose work you’ve just watched on the big screen.
A Unique Cinema Experience
Festival director Brenda Lieberman credits the CUFF audience as the secret to the festival’s success — it’s the passionate, engaged cinephiles who show up that elevate every screening into something special. There is nothing quite like watching a daring horror film or an audacious debut comedy with a crowd of equally enthusiastic genre fans.
8. Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Book in advance: The most anticipated films — especially opening night, closing night, and retrospective screenings — sell out quickly. Purchase your tickets or festival pass as soon as they go on sale.
- Arrive early: Globe Cinema is intimate, so arriving 15–20 minutes before a screening ensures a good seat and a chance to absorb the pre-film atmosphere.
- Plan your schedule: With 80+ films and 6 special events over 11 days, use the online schedule at calgaryundergroundfilm.org to plan your picks in advance. The 5-Film Pack or Festival Pass offers the most flexibility.
- Accessibility note: Globe Cinema is not fully accessible. To access washrooms and enter the cinema, stairs must be climbed. Contact cuff@calgaryundergroundfilm.org for any accessibility questions.
- Festival etiquette: Stay for Q&As — they are some of the most memorable parts of CUFF. Silence your phone, and embrace the spirit of discovery.
- Stay for a pint: Eighty-Eight Brewing is the festival’s beer partner and offers all ticket and passholders 10% off at their taproom throughout the festival — a perfect way to unwind after a late screening.
9. Nearby Attractions & Things to Do in Calgary
Calgary offers plenty to explore between screenings. The Globe Cinema is centrally located, putting you within easy reach of the city’s best food, culture, and nightlife.
Food & Drink
Calgary’s dining scene has exploded in recent years. The 17th Avenue SW strip, just minutes from Globe Cinema, is packed with excellent restaurants and cafes — from Vietnamese and Japanese to contemporary Canadian cuisine. For craft beer, head to Eighty-Eight Brewing (the official CUFF beer partner) or explore the growing local brewery scene.
Culture & Sightseeing
Between films, explore the National Music Centre (Studio Bell), the Glenbow Museum, and the vibrant downtown arts district. In mid-April, Calgary’s weather is transitioning into spring — a great time to stroll through Prince’s Island Park along the Bow River.
Nightlife
After the late-night screenings, the Beltline neighbourhood is your best bet for cocktail bars and late-night venues. The Derrick, directly across from Globe Cinema, is the official CUFF after-party venue and a great place to mingle with filmmakers and fellow festival-goers.
10. Conclusion
The Calgary Underground Film Festival 2026 is shaping up to be its most exciting edition yet. From the terrifying opening night Canadian Premiere of HOKUM to the star-studded, SXSW-fresh closing night of I Love Boosters; from the celebration of Canadian cinema legends to the discovery of bold new directorial debuts from around the world — CUFF 2026 has something for every film lover.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning CUFF devotee, this is one festival that rewards curiosity, passion, and a willingness to step outside the cinematic mainstream. April 16–26, 2026. Globe Cinema, Calgary. Be there.
🎟️ Get your tickets at calgaryundergroundfilm.org 🎟️
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is CUFF 2026?
The 23rd Calgary Underground Film Festival runs from Thursday, April 16 to Sunday, April 26, 2026 — 11 days in total. A bonus pre-festival screening on April 15 (National Canadian Film Day) is also open to all.
Where is CUFF 2026 held?
All screenings take place at Globe Cinema in Calgary, Alberta. The official festival hotel is the Sandman Hotel, an 8-minute walk from the venue, available at the special festival rate of $129/night (plus taxes).
Is CUFF family-friendly?
CUFF screens a wide range of films across many genres and age ratings, including mature horror and adult content. However, the Saturday Morning Cereal Cartoon Party is a beloved all-ages event. Parents should check individual film ratings in the programme before bringing younger children.
How long does CUFF last?
CUFF runs for 11 days, from April 16 to April 26, 2026. There are screenings at various times throughout each day, so it’s possible to attend for just a day or two, or to immerse yourself in the full experience with a festival pass.
How much do tickets cost?
Single tickets are $12 each ($10 for CUFF members, students, and seniors). 5-Film Packs are $50, and Festival Passes (access to all screenings) are $149. Tickets are available at calgaryundergroundfilm.org.
Is CUFF accessible to people with mobility needs?
Globe Cinema is not a fully accessible venue. Accessing the cinema and washrooms requires climbing stairs. For specific accessibility questions or assistance, contact the CUFF team directly at cuff@calgaryundergroundfilm.org.