THE FESTIVAL

Our Mission & Vision

The Calgary Latin American Film Festival (CLAFF) is a new cultural initiative dedicated to bringing the best of contemporary Latin American cinema to our city. As Calgary’s first festival exclusively focused on this region, our mission is to foster cultural exchange, public dialogue, and community engagement through the power of film.

Our long-term goal is to become an annual cornerstone of Calgary’s cultural ecosystem, strengthening intercultural understanding and creating a permanent space for Latin American voices.

Social Impact & Community Engagement

We believe that cinema is more than just entertainment; it is a platform for social reflection. CLAFF is committed to creating a space where the public can connect with deep human themes through:

  • Educational Components: We use film to explore critical global and local issues such as identity, youth, migration, social justice, and cultural memory.

  • Audience Engagement: Each screening is accompanied by moderated post-screening discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers, academics, and cultural commentators.

  • Community Outreach: We work hand-in-hand with local universities, cultural organizations, and community groups to ensure our programming promotes cultural literacy and inclusive public dialogue.

Innovation: A Decentralized Model

CLAFF introduces an innovative, city-wide model designed to increase accessibility across Calgary. Unlike traditional festivals held in a single venue, our initiative is decentralized:

  • Independent Neighbourhood Cinemas: By partnering with Canyon Meadows Cinema, Globe Cinema, and The Plaza Theatre, we bring high-quality international programming directly to diverse communities.

  • Integration of Dialogue: Our innovation lies in the intentional integration of cinema with facilitated conversation. We are addressing a gap in the city’s arts landscape by amplifying Latin American stories that are currently underrepresented, contributing to a more inclusive and globally connected cultural sector in Calgary.