The Calgary Justice Film Festival (CJFF) returns Nov. 5-7 for its 21st year, bringing three days of free documentary screenings, Indigenous storytelling, community discussions, and live performances to the Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Ave. S.E.
“…it’s not only ‘Calgary Justice Film Festival Presents’… but the ‘Treaty 7 Community Presents.” –Rowan Fisher
This year’s festival opens Thursday, Nov. 5, with Indigenous Lens, an opening ceremony celebrating Indigenous voices, storytelling and filmmaking. Rowan Fisher, executive director at CJFF, said 2026 is not only ‘Calgary Justice Film Festival Presents’… but the ‘Treaty 7 Community Presents.’ And so we’re thrilled this year to have two fantastic hosts.”
Steven Crowchild of the Tsuut’ina Nation will lead the the opening ceremony and host two film screenings.
Jeff Horvath, vice-principal of Siksika Nation High School, will also host films that evening.
Elder Rod Scout returns to CJFF for a third year to offer a blessing for the festival and attendees.
Elder Dr. Bruce Starlight will also offer a blessing before the screening of Return to the Falls: The True Story of Residential School Survivor Elder Betty Ross. The other films that evening are Breakpoint: The Untold Story of the Constitution Express, Namesake təm kʷaθ nan, and #skoden.
The ceremony also features men’s fancy dancer Kyle Young Pine and Tsuut’ina women’s fancy dancer Kerri Crowchild— alongside drumming and honour songs performed by the Back Road Bandits.
Permanent partnership with The Confluence
Founded in 2005 as the ‘Marda Loop Justice Film Festival’, the volunteer-run event began at Riverside Church, screening documentaries on human rights, environmental issues and social justice. The festival moved to The Confluence in 2024 and entered a permanent partnership with the venue this year—giving organizers access to multiple screening rooms and a dedicated space for live arts programming.
The venue also offers wheelchair-accessible washrooms, wide doorways, an elevator and adapted seating. CJFF has partnered with Inside Out Theatre this year to assess its programming for attendees with accessibility needs.
“It transforms an organization when you find a partner like the Confluence that supports everything you do, that encourages not just your growth, but your development,” said Fisher.
What happens ‘over there’ can happen here
Throughout the three-day event, audiences can explore documentaries on human rights, environmental issues, Indigenous sovereignty and social justice—with many screenings followed by discussions led by local academics, experts and people with lived experience.
“That ‘how can I help’ is almost the entire core purpose of this festival.”—Rowan Fisher
Fisher noted that the festival has evolved to pair these discussions with a local focus — shifting from international issues to their impact in Alberta.
For instance, if a film addresses human trafficking in Spain, organizers will invite groups like ACT Alberta to discuss the issue of trafficking within the province.
“The discussion shifts from ‘that happens over there’ to ‘this is happening here, and what can I do about it? How can I help?’” Fisher said. “That ‘how can I help’ is almost the entire core purpose of this festival.”
‘There’s going to be this energy in the Confluence, this filling of art’
This year’s festival introduces Culture in Action, a new initiative that features over 35 artists and performers from Nov. 5, 6 and 7. The lineup includes singers, stand-up comedians, spoken word artists, and creators of fabric and textile art, paintings, photographs, and more.
“There’s going to be this energy in the Confluence, this filling of art, and all of it is by artists who really have a justice lens,” said Fisher.
“. . . and the Peace Market. That’s another pillar that has been there for a long time,” said Fisher. The market returns Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. in the lower barracks, bringing together non-profits, non-governmental organizations and local artisans. Attendees can learn where to volunteer, donate, or connect with people working on the issues explored in the films.
The Calgary Justice Film Festival is entirely free to attend—everything from screenings and live performances to exhibition art. “Very generously from the City of Calgary, the entire parking lot is free for the entire festival,” said Fisher. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to register for film screenings through the festival’s website.
“We cannot say we’re fully accessible to every single person who wants to come, and that, for me, is a really important mandate.” Fisher said.
“I hope that people open their hearts, learn as much as possible, connect with the community and ask the question, what can I do?”
