TOP 10 Most Anticipated Films at CIFF 2024 | Calgary International Film Festival
CIFF 2024 | The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is an underrated gem in the film festival circuit, known for showcasing high-quality films before they achieve global acclaim. Notable examples in recent years include Parasite, Women Talking, and Anatomy of a Fall, all of which played at CIFF before wide release, helping to cement the festival’s reputation as an important stop for Oscar contenders. Outside of these larger international films, CIFF is also unique in its emphasis on holding space for Canadian, and more specifically, Albertan filmmakers. Every year, the festival is home to new and emerging filmmakers from right next door.
As CIFF celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024, the festival is embracing a transformative new direction to sustain cinema in Calgary’s downtown core. With the closure of Cineplex Eau Claire Market Cinemas, which served as the festival’s primary venue for years, CIFF is implementing a “Constellation” model. This strategy introduces a network of flexible and mobile venues throughout the city, including key locations like the Globe Cinema and Plaza Theatre. This approach aims to enhance cinema access by using various arts venues, theaters, and public spaces, ensuring the vibrancy of Calgary’s cinematic arts amid shrinking theater capacity. By expanding into multiple community-focused locations, CIFF is adapting to the challenges in the industry while capitalizing on the rapid growth of Alberta’s film sector.
The list below highlights the most anticipated films at CIFF 2024. Stay tuned for other lists exploring Canadian and Albertan filmmakers.
10. Bird
Director: Andrea Arnold
Cast: Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski, Nykiya Adams, Jasmine Jobson
Release Date: November 8th, 2024
What It’s About:
Bird is a coming-of-age drama set in the Thames estuary in Kent, focusing on 12-year-old Bailey, played by newcomer Nykiya Adams. Bailey lives in a squat with her chaotic father, Bug (played by Barry Keoghan), and her brother, as she navigates a difficult childhood filled with neglect and instability. Things change when she meets Bird, a mysterious outsider played by Franz Rogowski, who helps her find solace amidst her troubled home life. The film blends gritty realism with moments of magical realism, offering a tender exploration of childhood resilience, family dysfunction, and personal growth. Andrea Arnold, known for her previous works like American Honey, creates a compelling narrative that moves between harsh realities and fable-like storytelling, providing an emotional and visually captivating experience.
9. Unstoppable
Director: William Goldenberg
Cast: Jharrel Jerome, Jennifer Lopez, Bobby Cannavale, Don Cheadle
Release Date: December 6th, 2024
What It’s About:
Unstoppable is an inspiring sports biopic that tells the true story of Anthony Robles, a wrestler born with one leg who went on to become an NCAA national champion. Played by Jharrel Jerome, Robles overcomes immense obstacles, including prejudice and a tough home life, to pursue his dreams of success. The film focuses on Anthony’s determination as he trains with his coach (Don Cheadle) and the unwavering support of his mother, Judy (Jennifer Lopez), despite the family’s hardships. The emotional core of the film lies in Anthony’s struggles to balance his personal challenges and his ambitions on the wrestling mat. The movie received a warm reception at the Toronto International Film Festival, including a standing ovation, for its heartfelt portrayal of perseverance and grit.
8. All We Imagine as Light
Director: Payal Kapadia
Cast: Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, Hridhu Haroon
Release Date: November 15th, 2024
What It’s About:
All We Imagine as Light is a beautifully shot drama set in Mumbai that follows two women, Prabha and Anu, as they navigate the complexities of life, relationships, and identity. Prabha, a senior nurse whose husband left her years ago to work abroad, struggles with loneliness and the weight of responsibility. Meanwhile, Anu, her younger roommate, searches for intimacy and fulfillment in a city that often feels isolating. The film transitions from the urban hustle of Mumbai to the tranquility of a beach town, symbolizing the characters’ emotional shifts. Directed by Payal Kapadia, the film explores themes of longing, sisterhood, and personal freedom, set against the backdrop of modern India’s evolving societal norms.
7. Flow
Director: Gints Zilbalodis
Cast: No cast – dialogue free
Release Date: November 22, 2024
What It’s About:
Flow is an animated adventure that tells the story of a solitary black cat whose home is devastated by a massive flood. The cat finds refuge on a small boat, where he is joined by a motley crew of animals, including a capybara, a dog, and a lemur. Despite their differences, the animals must learn to work together to navigate this new, watery world. The film explores themes of survival, cooperation, and adaptation in the face of natural disaster, using minimal dialogue and relying heavily on visual storytelling and sound design. Director Gints Zilbalodis, known for his hand-crafted animation style, brings his unique artistic vision to this tale, blending stunning landscapes and emotional depth to create a captivating narrative that appeals to both children and adults alike.
6. The Outrun
Director: Nora Fingscheidt
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Paapa Essiedu, Saskia Reeves, Stephen Dillane
Release Date: UK – September 27, 2024, US – October 4, 2024
What It’s About:
Based on the memoir by Amy Liptrot, The Outrun follows Rona (played by Saoirse Ronan), a woman recently out of rehab for alcoholism, as she returns to the Orkney Islands, her childhood home, to rebuild her life. The film interweaves her present struggles with flashbacks to her chaotic life in London, showing the toll addiction has taken on her relationships, especially with her boyfriend Daynin (played by Paapa Essiedu). The story explores themes of recovery, personal redemption, and the calming but challenging force of nature, as Rona reconnects with her past and the landscapes of Orkney. The film has been praised for its poetic and fragmented storytelling, with Ronan’s performance at the center, balancing fragility and strength.
5. My Old Ass
Director: Megan Park
Cast: Maisy Stella, Stephen Amell, Megan Park
Release Date: October 4th, 2024
What It’s About:
My Old Ass is a coming-of-age comedy that explores the struggles of a young woman as she confronts adulthood and her strained family relationships. The film combines humor and emotional depth, with the protagonist navigating awkward family dynamics, particularly with her aging parents. While the story deals with typical challenges of growing up, it also focuses on intergenerational conflict, making it relatable to viewers of various ages. Directed by Megan Park, the film finds a balance between lighthearted comedy and poignant moments, reflecting the bittersweet realities of life and family ties. The performances of Maisy Stella and Stephen Amell add heart to this modern-day comedy-drama, making it a thoughtful exploration of the transition to adulthood.
4. Porcelain War
Directors: Brendan Bellomo, Slava Leontyev
Cast: Slava Leontyev, Anya Stasenko, Andrey Stefanov
Release Date: TBD
What It’s About:
Porcelain War is a documentary that chronicles the lives of Ukrainian artists Slava Leontyev, Anya Stasenko, and their friend Andrey Stefanov as they continue creating porcelain art during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The film contrasts the delicate beauty of their art with the brutal realities of war, as Slava and Anya also become involved in the Ukrainian defense, with Slava training civilians in firearms use. Directed by Brendan Bellomo and Leontyev, the film explores themes of resilience, national pride, and the role of art during times of crisis. The artists find ways to maintain their creative spirit while navigating the devastation around them, illustrating the enduring power of art amidst the horrors of conflict.
3. A Different Man
Director: Aaron Schimberg
Cast: Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, Adam Pearson
Release Date: September 20, 2024
What It’s About:
A Different Man is a psychological thriller that follows Edward, an aspiring actor who undergoes a radical facial reconstructive surgery. However, instead of achieving his ideal appearance, Edward becomes obsessed with an actor portraying him in a biographical play, leading him to spiral into paranoia and obsession. The film delves into themes of identity, self-perception, and the unsettling relationship between appearance and reality. Schimberg’s film blends dark comedy and psychological drama, creating a disorienting exploration of personal transformation and self-destruction.
2. The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Director: Mohammad Rasoulof
Cast: Misagh Zare, Soheila Golestani, Mahsa Rostami, Setareh Maleki
Release Date: November 27th, 2024
What It’s About:
Set against the backdrop of the 2022 Iranian protests, The Seed of the Sacred Fig follows Iman (played by Misagh Zare), a middle-class lawyer working for the Iranian state. The film depicts Iman’s moral struggles as he is forced to sign death sentences for dissidents, leading to tensions in his family, particularly with his daughters, who hold more progressive political views. Directed by exiled Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, the film portrays how personal and political turmoil are intertwined, making the family a microcosm of Iran’s authoritarian regime. As the story progresses, the family’s generational conflict escalates, reflecting the broader societal clash between a desire for freedom and the oppressive political system. With dramatic twists, the film explores paranoia, control, and rebellion, symbolizing the larger struggle for freedom in Iran.
1. Anora
Director: Sean Baker
Cast: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yuriy Borisov, Karren Karagulian
Release Date: October 18th, 2024
What It’s About:
Anora follows Ani, a 23-year-old Uzbek-American sex worker living in Brooklyn, as she unexpectedly marries the son of a Russian oligarch. The story quickly turns into a chaotic blend of screwball comedy and class commentary when the oligarch’s family tries to annul the marriage. Directed by Sean Baker, the film blends gritty realism with humor, exploring themes of survival, class disparity, and personal empowerment. Ani, portrayed by Mikey Madison, is a fiery and resilient character, navigating her way through the absurdity of her new life while battling the expectations of those around her. The film combines Baker’s signature humanist touch with sharp social critique, offering both heartbreak and moments of triumph as Ani fights to assert her independence. | CIFF 2024
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