The Calgarry International Film Festival Announces 2008 Party and Special Event Schedule

THE CALGARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2008 PARTY AND SPECIAL EVENT SCHEDULE

Calgary, AB ’ÄìThe Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is pleased to announce a series of special events and parties as part of this year's 9^th annual event. As part of CIFF's ongoing commitment to provide stellar cinematic and cultural experiences, this year's festival special events schedule highlights our visiting delegates, local filmmakers, award-winners and gala films. The line-up has something for everyone ’Äì blow-out gala parties, intimate receptions, awards ceremonies, fashion shows, and post-screening festivities offering the opportunity to mingle one-on-one with those whose creations have hit CIFF screens this year.

Special Events Schedule

Thursday, September 18

PRE-PARTY American Express Opening Gala: Blindness

Red Carpet Fashion Show with fashions by Joe Fresh and the Core. Cocktail reception.

Time: 5:00 PM ’Äì 6:00 PM

Where: Belgo, 501- 8 Avenue SW

Admission: VIPs and gala patrons

American Express Opening Gala: Blindness

A celebration of the opening film, the gala is the kick-off to the festival and the party of the year!

Time: 9:15 PM

Where: Belgo, 501- 8 Avenue SW

Admission: VIPs and gala ticket holders

Friday, September 19

Iceland Spotlight Party

Post-screening reception following highlight film of Iceland Spotlight, featuring Icelandic food by Iceland Naturally. Director Ragnar Bragason in attendance.

Time: 9:30 PM

Where: Chicago Chophouse, 604 - 8th Avenue SW

Admission: VIPs and Children patrons.

Saturday, September 20

YYC Reception

Post-screening party to celebrate and honour the winners of our Youth by Youth Cinema competition. Filmmakers in attendance.

Time: 5:00 PM

Where: Pulcinella, 1147 Kensington Crescent NW

Admission: VIPs and YYC patrons.

Space Black Carpet Gala

CIFF's first-ever Black Carpet Late Shows Gala. Director Grant Harvey, actors Tom Green and Dave Lawrence, producer Josh Miller, and other cast and crew in attendance. Film shot locally.

Time: 9:45 PM

Where: Pulcinella, 1147 Kensington Crescent NW

Admission: VIPs and Freezer Burn patrons

Sunday, September 21

Industry Party

The annual industry party brings together festival delegates, festival VIPs, and festival staff for a night to meet, mingle, and exchange ideas.

Time: 9:00 PM

Where: Escoba, 624 - 8 Avenue SW

Admission: VIPs and invited patrons

Tuesday, September 23

Italian Film Party

Following screening of hotly anticipated film Gomorrah (directed by Matteo Garrone).

Time: 9:00 PM

Where: Osteria de Medici

Admission: VIP and Gomorrah patrons

Wednesday, September 24

Fashion Spotlight

Diamond event of inaugural Fashion in Film series. Party takes place after screening of Eleven Minutes. Includes live fashion show by Joe Fresh Style.

Time: 9:00 PM

Where: Wild Ginger, 351 ’Äì 4th Avenue SW

Admission: VIPs and Eleven Minutes patrons

Wesley Willis After Party

Part of the Music on Film Series. Sponsored by Broken City and CJSW.

Live Music: Mt. Royal, The Hotel Lobbyists. Collapsing Opposites

Time: 11:00 PM

Where: Broken City

Admission: public event

Thursday, September 25

NFB Reception

Time: 9:00 PM

Where: Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade SW

Admission:

Friday, September 26

Aboriginal Spotlight Party

Featuring performance by Aboriginal performance artist Skeena Reese (cast member and co-producer of Homestay).

Time: 9:00 PM

Where: Escoba

Admission: VIPs and Homestay patrons

Saturday, September 27

Volkswagen Closing Gala: Bart got a Room

Celebration of CIFF closing gala film. Director Brian Hecker in attendance.

Time: 9:30 PM

Where: Flames Central

Admission: VIPs and closing gala patrons

Sweet Lady with a Nasty Voice After-Party

Part of the Music on Film Series. Sponsored by the Palomino Smokehouse & CJSW.

Live Music:: Stonehocker CD Release, The Garter Girls Burlesque, The Hours, Static in The Stars

Time: 11:00 PM

Where: Palomino, 109-7th Avenue SW

Admission: public event

Sunday, September 28

My Name is Albert Ayler After Party & Awards Presentation

**informal CIFF Wrap Party & Awards Announcement Sponsored by Escoba, C-Jazz, & CJSW

Live Music: free jazz by saxophonist Dan Meichel and music by DJ Rob Faust

Time: 9:00 PM

Where: Escoba, 624 - 8 Avenue SW

Admission: VIPs and Albert Ayler patrons

The complete 2008 CIFF line-up, as well as festival tickets and passes, are available online at www.calgaryfilm.com from August 25, 2008. The Fido Box Office opens at Eau Claire Market and the CIFF Souvenir Program Guide goes on sale at all Calgary Starbucks locations on September 5, 2008.

About CIFF

Founded in 1998, the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is a charitable, not-for-profit, cultural organization based in Alberta, Canada. Inspired by the pioneering spirit and maverick ideals of the community, CIFF showcases films that break traditional boundaries and forge new cinematic ground. CIFF celebrates an unparalleled breadth and depth of cultural diversity through the meaningful, accessible, and artistic medium of film and engages thousands of artists to showcase the best films from filmmakers in over 100 countries around the world. CIFF is held annually at the end of September, screening over 200 films and hosting several gala events, awards, and special presentations. For more information visit www.calgaryfilm.com.