GIRAF, or the Giant Incandescent Resonating Animation Festival (est 2005), is an annual animation festival that runs each November at the Plaza Theatre in Calgary.  GIRAF celebrates the spirit of independent, underground, and experimental animation, showcasing Canadian animators and presenting diverse animations from around the globe. We’ve showcased the award winning independent work artists including Don Hertzfedlt, Bruce Bickford, Brandon Bloomaert, Barry Doupe, Cordell Barker, Richard Reeves, Chad Van Gaalan, Nick Fox-Geig, Amy Lockhart, Stu Hughes, Madi Piller, and Cam Christiansen, among many others.

GIRAF is committed to gaining greater awareness for animation as an art form. Through 5 days of interactive activities: workshops, artist talks, visiting artists, and animation screenings, our festival showcased over 80 animations in 2010 alone. We focus on presenting works that push boundaries through the development of new techniques, hybrid forms of creation, and challenging subject matter, and thus animation that is rarely seen at other festivals.

Founded in 2003, CUFF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to programming films that defy convention. Through the screening of contemporary works in various categories that include: feature, documentary, animation, short, and experimental - we bring Calgarians a unique roster of films rarely seen in North American theatres.

We actively look to showcase titles in all genres, from horror, sci-fi and fantasy to comedies, thrillers and music-related films. In addition to finding great films we are committed to introducing you to the people behind the lens, by showcasing local and international indie filmmakers. We are proud to contribute to Calgary's thriving arts community and are thrilled to bring innovative and challenging selections to all film enthusiasts.

Join CUFF on Twitter and Facebook, or visit www.calgaryundergroundfilm.org for more underground film action!

GlobalFest is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based, community and cultural organization committed to producing inclusive, world-class, multi-faceted arts and cultural events that celebrate and showcase cultural diversity and artistic excellence in communities locally and across the globe.

GlobalFest FilmFest: Exposed will feature revealing domestic and international independent documentary films from unique perspectives at the Plaza Theatre January 29th- 31st, 2010. The films programmed are intended to hopefully educate and inspire all of our audiences and provide insight into the best in art, culture and adventure.