Editor

The Calgary Underground Film Festival has revealed the first look at the CUFF.Docs 2021 film lineup, as CUFF gets ready to celebrate its first in-person festival in two years. The 9th CUFF.Docs will take place from November 24-28 at Globe Cinema and Online.

“We are beyond excited to see audiences again in person, as well as our volunteers and staff! We really have missed everyone, and so much of what we love too is the experience of talking about films after screenings, and the communal experience that elevates the festival,” said Festival Director and Lead Programmer Brenda Lieberman.

Screenings at Globe Cinema will implement the restrictions' exemption program operating at 50% capacity and requiring proof of vaccination or negative test result (72-hours), plus mandatory masking in the lobby and while walking around the venue. The documentaries playing online will be available for anyone in Alberta to stream on-demand during the festival. With a few exceptions, most films will have both a theatrical screening and be available to watch online for the duration of the festival.

The first 5 films announced for this year’s festival are:

COME BACK ANYTIME (Director John Daschbach): A window into the lives of self-taught Japanese ramen master Masamoto Ueda and his wife Kazuko, who have run their tiny Tokyo ramen shop, Bizentei for more than 40 years.

SATOSHI KON - THE ILLUSIONIST (Director Pascal-Alex Vincent): A look at the career of the late anime director Satoshi Kon (PAPRIKA, PERFECT BLUE), a leading figure in animation and most influential contemporary Japanese artists.

THIS IS GWAR (Director Scott Barber): The powerful story of the iconic heavy metal/art collective/monster from Virginia, who are determined to put on the wildest, and bloodiest metal shows.

WE WERE ONCE KIDS (Director Eddie Martin): A strikingly personal documentary about the real life individuals who inspired Larry Clark’s 1995 cult classic KIDS.

WOODLANDS DARK AND DAYS BEWITCHED (Director Kier-La Janisse): An exploration of the folk horror phenomenon and its culturally specific manifestations in international horror, from its first wave in the 1970s to today.

“I always love the diversity of the films, subjects and themes explored in the various documentaries we program, and this lineup has so many incredible films to see. Our team of programmers really uncovered some amazing gems, and there is definitely something for everyone in the lineup,” said Lieberman.

This is just a sneak peek of five films playing this year's fest. The full lineup of 20+ films will be announced, and tickets will go on sale Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Passes to the festival are on sale now. Choose from a hybrid pass, allowing you to attend films at Globe Cinema or watch online, or an online only pass. Purchase before 9am on Friday and take advantage of the reduced ($69 / $89) flash sale price. See more details here.