The Calgary Justice Film Festival: A Journey from Humble Beginnings to a City-Wide Movement

The 20th Calgary Justice Film Festival (CJFF) will take place from November 6th - 8th at YYC's historic Confluence.

Founded in 2005, the Calgary Justice Film Festival (CJFF) originally emerged as the Marda Loop Justice Film Festival, a small community event held at River Park Church and the downtown Public Library. Over the years, it has evolved into a prominent city-wide festival, expanding its reach and venues to include the Globe Cinema and the Plaza Theatre.

In 2024, CJFF solidified its presence at the Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, which now serves as its permanent home. Alongside their annual festival, they launched justREEL, a year-round film series designed to continually engage audiences beyond the festival dates.

As the festival’s influence and audience grew, the organization rebranded in 2021 to become the Calgary Justice Film Festival, better reflecting its broader regional reach. Each year, the festival curates documentaries selected from hundreds of submissions from across Canada and around the world. Screenings are often followed by lively discussions featuring filmmakers, subject matter experts, or individuals with lived experience. These conversations are designed to be inclusive and thought-provoking, often sparking meaningful dialogue among attendees.

A key feature of the festival is the two-day Peace Market, an event that provides a platform for nonprofit organizations working in justice-focused causes to showcase their missions and connect with the public. The market also features vendor tables filled with the work of local artists and craftspeople, enriching the festival experience.

As a nonprofit organization, CJFF is committed to bringing international justice-focused films to Calgary at no cost to attendees. This mission is made possible through the support of donors, community partners, and funders who share a passion for social change.

Through these efforts, CJFF continues to highlight global issues and inspire positive action locally. Their vision is to influence behavioral change by sharing films that motivate and engage communities to become active and caring citizens. Their mission is to provide a platform for film and visual arts that raises awareness and sparks dialogue on justice issues that matter.

You can find more information and FREE ticket registration here: https://justicefilmfestival.ca/cjff-2025