LAFF 2026 highlights are now availablePhotos & Videos
THE FIRST EDITION · SEPTEMBER 18–19, 2026
LAFF
HAS LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL
Thank you, Calgary!
Our first edition brought audiences together for two evenings of Latin American cinema, community and conversation. This is only the beginning.
WITH GRATITUDE · OUR FIRST EDITION
Thank you for being part of LAFF 2026
LAFF was officially inaugurated by Mariela Parra, CEO of the Hispanic Arts Society, who welcomed guests and opened this new chapter for Latin American cinema in Calgary. We were honoured to hear from Jairo Andrés Paredes Campaña, Consul of Colombia in Calgary; Evelyn Vera Barreto, Consul of Mexico in Calgary; Jorge Romberg, radio host and business owner; and Hernán Moreno, filmmaker.
Opening Night also featured a special musical performance by violinist Juan Sebastián Paternina. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Alberta, Alberta Culture Days, The City of Calgary, Calgary Culture Days and Calgary Arts Development for their support. Thank you as well to our audiences, filmmakers, speakers, performers, volunteers, sponsors, community partners and venues for making LAFF’s first edition possible.
LAFF 2026 · IN PHOTOSMoments from
Moments from
our first edition.
Relive Opening Night, the red carpet, special guests and the community that made Calgary’s first LAFF possible.
View all 38 photos
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2027
Help us build the next chapter of LAFF in Calgary.
01 THE FIRST EDITION
Two nights.
One city. Many worlds.
LAFF brought Latin American cinema into conversation with Calgary through an intimate opening reception, distinctive films and a shared big-screen experience. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped launch this new festival.
Produced by
Hispanic Arts Society celebrates 40 years on June 26, 2027.
Hispanic Arts Society celebrates 40 years on June 26, 2027.02 FESTIVAL ARCHIVE
LAFF’s first
edition · 2026
01
FRISEP 18
Red Carpet · Ramada Plaza
Opening Night Reception
6:00–8:00 PM Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown · 708 8 Ave SW
LAFF opened with red-carpet photographs, hors d’oeuvres, a celebratory toast, special guests and a welcoming evening of community connection.
Opening Night recap02
FRISEP 18
Opening Night · Canadian Premiere
Traces of Home
9:00 PM Globe Cinema · 617 8 Ave SW
92 min · Documentary · Directed by Colette Ghunim · Presented as the Canadian Premiere at LAFF 2026.
View film details03
SATSEP 19
Feature Film · Drama
Ashes
7:00 PM Globe Cinema · 617 8 Ave SW
98 min · Original title: Ceniza en la boca · A film by Diego Luna.
View film detailsSEE CALGARY
THROUGH A
NEW LENS.
03 OPENING NIGHT
From reception
to cinema.
LAFF began at the Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown with a welcoming Opening Night Reception. Guests then crossed the street to Globe Cinema for the Canadian Premiere of Traces of Home, opening a new chapter for Latin American cinema in Calgary.
OPENING NIGHT RECEPTIONSeptember 18, 2026 · LAFF’s first evening in Calgary
VENUE SPONSOR
A memorable beginningRed carpet · Special guests · Community connection · Canadian Premiere
Ramada PlazaSeptember 18, 2026 · 708 8 Ave SW · Opening Night Reception
ACROSS THE STREET
Globe Cinema617 8 Ave SW · 9:00 PM screening
04 FOR FILMMAKERS
● OPENING IN 2027Your story
belongs on
the big screen.
LAFF will open submissions for its 2027 edition. We welcome filmmakers and stories connected to Latin America—across genres, borders, and perspectives.
2027 submissionsDates, categories, and submission details coming soon.
05 LOOKING AHEAD
Frequently Asked
Questions
LAFF’s first edition is now part of Calgary’s cultural story. Here is what comes next.
Still have a question? Contact us at info@laff.ca.
06 WITH GRATITUDE
Funded with the support of
LAFF’s first edition was made possible through public investment in arts, culture and community.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
With thanks to the organizations that helped connect LAFF with audiences across Calgary.
