We’re big fans of Calgary Underground Film Festival here at Horror Fuel — check out some of our reviews from last year’s edition — and are greatly looking forward to the eclectic, offbeat genre film fare that the fest holds for this year! Following is the official press announcement about key dates to keep in mind.
The Calgary Underground Film Festival, taking place from April 16-26, 2026 at Globe Cinema in downtown Calgary, is poised to be the biggest festival in the organization’s 23 years. With an increased focus on attracting film fans and industry professionals from across Canada and the United States, CUFF continues to showcase the best genre-defying independent cinema at the annual spring festival.
With staggering growth in recent years, CUFF is now Western Canada’s biggest genre film festival, and a must-attend event on the circuit. CUFF 2025 was a milestone year for the festival, with attendance reaching 12,500 over 11 days. Industry attendance also reached an all-time high, with 150 local and visiting guests attending CUFF.
“We’ve always been so passionate about the selected films being best experienced with an audience. Having more industry and out-of-towners attend the festival – and see how great our Calgary audiences are – is super exciting to us. We also love having more filmmakers at the festival to interact with our attendees and network with other industry guests, which can really help advance their careers and showcase Alberta’s thriving film industry.” – Festival Director and Lead Programmer Brenda Lieberman.
Key Festival Info & Dates
- Industry Accreditation is Open: Those working in the film industry can now apply for a $99 (CAD) all access pass to the 23rd Calgary Underground Film Festival. The pass includes industry networking events, all film screenings, panels, and other special perks. In 2026, Calgary landed in the #4 spot on MovieMaker’s “The Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker in 2026” list. Attending CUFF gives industry attendees a chance to meet 150+ visiting filmmakers and guests, local cast, crew, and reps working in film, and opportunities to explore Calgary, Alberta, as a shooting location. Apply for industry accreditation now.
- Travel Discounts Available for All: Both those working in the industry and film fans from out of town are encouraged to book their trip to the festival now. Over 11 days, CUFF brings 50+ films and special events to the city. Plan your trip to Calgary today and book using CUFF’s flight and hotel discount codes.
- 2026 Poster Reveal & Artist Announcement: With a commitment to showcasing Canadian artists, CUFF has released the 2026 festival poster created by Nick Johnson. Born and raised in Calgary AB, Nick is a writer, director, producer and cartoonist. The craft of storytelling has led him to work in e-learning, children’s books, film, animation, and comic books. He is the writer, director and producer of the animated feature film SUNBURNT UNICORN which made its World Premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2024 and is now streaming on Amazon Prime. He teaches illustration and character design at AUArts and finds inspiration in Can Lit, horror fiction, Proust, the X-Men, and the ghosts of Utopia.
- Live Script Reading Call for Submissions: As part of the 2026 festival, CUFF is hosting a Live Script Reading of a feature film from an Alberta scriptwriter. Submissions are now open for this annual event presented in partnership with ACTRA. Submissions close February 27.
- Upcoming Key Festival Dates:
- General Festival Passes On Sale: Wednesday, March 4 (Cost: $109 Flash Sale / $129 Early Bird / $149 Regular).
- Program Announcement Live at Globe Cinema: Wednesday, March 25. The first look at the CUFF 2026 program, followed by an Off the CUFF screening of a new film at this evening event. The film will be announced, and tickets will go on sale in early March.
- Tickets on Sale: Thursday, March 26 at 10 am MT. The morning after the live announcement, explore the full program and buy tickets to all films playing the festival at calgaryundergroundfilm.org
- National Canadian Film Day: Wednesday, April 15. The evening before CUFF officially starts, attend Calgary’s flagship CanFilmDay event. CUFF will host a free screening celebrating the anniversary of a Canadian cult film.
- 23rd Calgary Underground Film Festival: Thursday, April 16 – Sunday, April 26. With 50+ feature films and special events, get ready for an action-packed 11 days at Globe Cinema in downtown Calgary.
