The Calgary International Film Festival (Calgary Film) announced the First Wave of Films playing at the 2017 festival. The first 10 films include BORG/MCENROE which opens the Toronto International Film Festival just weeks before Calgary Film begins. Based on a true story, this film recounts the legendary 1980 Wimbledon match between fierce rivals Björn Borg and John McEnroe.
“We’re always looking for standout films that are buzzing on the circuit, but we handpick for Calgary, with themes that do particularly well with our audiences,” said Brenda Lieberman, Programming Manager of the Calgary International Film Festival. “It’s one of the best parts of our job when we find the perfect combination of titles that excite our festival fans.”
FIRST WAVE FILMS – 2017 Calgary International Film Festival
BORG/MCENROE – Directed by Janus Metz
This highly-anticipated biopic about one of the world’s greatest sports rivalries will have its world premiere as the Opening Night Film of the Toronto International Film Festival, mere weeks before it’s on screen in Calgary.
THE DIVINE ORDER – Directed by Petra Biondina Volpe
Even though this Swiss suffrage story takes place in the 1970s, it still feels relevant today. Lighthearted with a powerful message, women’s voices are at the centre of the narrative and behind the lens.
A FANTASTIC WOMAN – Directed by Sebastián Lelio
When Marina’s much older boyfriend dies, she must confront the taboo of their relationship to his family and society. Just announced as part of TIFF’s Galas & Special Presentations, this Spanish film was nominated for the Golden Berlin Bear for Best Picture and took home the Silver Berlin Bear for Best Screenplay at the Berlin International Film Festival.
FÉLICITÉ – Directed by Alain Gomis
With a mesmerizing soundtrack featuring the Kinshasa Symphonic Orchestra, the Congo-set film won the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival.
THE LIGHT OF THE MOON – Directed by Jessica Thompson
A woman struggles to regain control of her life after being sexually assaulted. Audience Award Winner for at SXSW, this first-time feature filmmaker casts BROOKLYN NINE-NINE’s Stephanie Beatriz in a revelatory performance.
LIPSTICK UNDER MY BURKHA – Directed by AlanKrita Shrivastava
This narrative feature from India, packed with humour and plenty of heart, features four women united in their yearning for freedom from society’s restrictive framework.
NOBODY’S WATCHING – Directed by Julia Solomonoff
An Argentine actor’s failure to establish himself in New York City mirrors the struggle of many immigrants who stumble in their new setting. Star Guillermo Pfening won the Best Actor at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival in the International Narrative Feature category.
SCORE: A FILM MUSIC DOCUMENTARY – Directed by Matt Schrader
Some of Hollywood’s greatest film score composers come together to give viewers an unparalleled, behind the scenes look at the creative process, resulting in this fascinating celebration of some of the most iconic scores of all time.
SMALL TOWN CRIME – Directed by Ian Nelms
This critically-acclaimed, noir-ish thriller features a powerful cast, including Academy Award Nominee John Hawkes (WINTER’S BONE, DEADWOOD), Academy Award Winner Octavia Spencer (THE HELP, HIDDEN FIGURES) and Academy Award Nominee Robert Forster (JACKIE BROWN).
A SWINGERS WEEKEND – Directed by Jonathan Cohen
Packed with recognizable Canadian actors, including Erin Karpluk from Calgary and Jonas Chernick from previous Calgary Film Selections including MY AWKWARD SEXUAL ADVENTURE and HOW TO PLAN AN ORGY IN A SMALL TOWN, this sex comedy explores the relationships and kinks of three couples, who are all swinging for different reasons. What could possibly go wrong?