Synopsis:
The Calgary Black Film Festival is dedicated to giving unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world. CBFF’s ambition is to encourage the development of the independent film industry and to promote more films on the reality of Black people from around the Globe.
The Calgary Black Film Festival (#CBFF26) returns to Calgary for its sixth edition from May 22 to 26, 2026. Created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and co-presented by Global Calgary, CBFF proudly announces its official programming for 2026. The hybrid festival features 42 impactful films from Canadian and international filmmakers, with screenings hosted in person at The Globe Cinema (617 8 Ave SW), panel discussions and workshops at the Calgary Memorial Park Library (1221 2 St SW) and online across Canada.
The kick-off to the festival features the award-winning Calgary debut of Pasa Faho, an exclusive red carpet and an after-party. Calgarians are invited to the Opening Night celebration on May 22, 2026, at the Globe Cinema at 7 p.m. Tickets are available now on the CBFF website. The festival brings audiences in Calgary and across Canada together to celebrate diverse talent and reflect on the experiences and challenges of Black creators.
“As we launch the 6th Calgary Black Film Festival, we are deepening our impact. Calgary audiences are hungry for diversity, and by championing bold Black filmmakers, we continue to tear down barriers and build a stage where authenticity has no limits. We aren’t just creating awareness; we are taking real action. Action to amplify Black voices. Action to open doors. Action to unite communities through the power of cinema. Join us to experience the brilliance of Black film and help build a future where every story is finally heard,” says Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver Black Film Festivals.
Pasa Faho is executive produced by Mimo Mukii, Ivy Mutuku and Loani Arman, and written and directed by Kalu Oji. The film stars Tyson Palmer. This film is a story based on Kalu Oji’s deeply personal real-life experiences, highlighting the importance of fatherhood, responsibility and reconnection in parenthood. This captivating film explores the silent friction of pride and duty, depicting a father and son’s desperate search for common ground before their world collapses entirely.
CBFF recognizes the support of Calgary Arts Development, the Government of Alberta, Telefilm Canada, Zaza Production, Calgary Public Library and the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Festwave Institute. The Festival is also supported by the Foundation’s Black Film Festivals in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa and Vancouver.
Beginning at 9 p.m. on May 22nd, the festival expands beyond the in-person celebration as most films become available online until May 26, 2026.
~ READ BEFORE ARRIVING - - - Debit, credit, and tap only for payment. No cash accepted.