May 2025
justNEWS
Greetings to our CJFF members, sponsors, and patrons who so consistently support the arts, including filmmakers who are unwavering in representing matters of social justice in their work.
Several important Canadian social justice matters are earmarked throughout May:
Asian Heritage Month
Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
Polish Heritage Month
Dutch Heritage Day: May 5
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia: May 17
National Accessibility Week starts on May 31st. Of note, Prime Minister Carney discontinued the portfolio for the Ministry of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities. That responsibility is now divided between two new portfolios: the Minister for Jobs and Families and the Minister for Canadian Identity and Culture. This CBC story explores what the shift could mean for Canadians living with disabilities.
Upcoming CJFF Dates:
CJFF Annual General Meeting
Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: The Confluence Historic Site (750 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5E1)
Join to help us consider the success, challenges, and changes during this past year, to share our vision for CJFF 2025, and to connect with fellow members. We will have refreshments and snacks for you to enjoy. Your input matters and we’d love to see you!
CJFF Annual Film Festival: November 6-8, 2025
Check out these current and upcoming film screenings and film festivals:
Save the Dates:
Calgary Black Film Festival: May 23-27, 2025
Okotoks Film Festival: June 4-8
Calgary International Film Festival: May 28
Screening: I Don’t Understand You: An American couple, on the verge of adopting a baby, goes on an Italian vacation—an opportunity to reconnect before the new addition arrives. Everything is picture-perfect, the epitome of a European baby moon, when things begin to spiral out of control. On the way to dinner, they get their rental car stuck in a ditch and are stranded in rural nowhere in a downpour. These two Americans, who are used to being catered to, are now in a foreign land without service, an Italian language comprehension of about zero, and clear relationship turmoil that could explode at any minute. Fear obviously takes over.
Third Action Film Festival: June 6-8
Partnership Film: Following Harry on June 08, 2025, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. MDT
Following Harry joins Harry Belafonte during the last twelve years of his life, as the legendary artist and activist embarks on a deeply personal journey, while inspiring future generations to disrupt injustice across the globe. The film is a passionate, powerful witness to Harry’s commitment to building a better and more empathetic world. It is also a story of aging, legacy, and taking responsibility for what one leaves behind. Harry goes beyond stating that the past is doomed to be repeated by those who do not understand it, to ask: If we cannot position ourselves to see and translate history through our own present-day experience, then how can we envision the future that we are rushing so quickly to embrace? The film ultimately amplifies Harry’s belief that “each generation must be responsible for itself. All I can do is leave behind the crumbs of my experience. Trailer.
In the Spotlight: CJFF Director Tako Koning
On March 21, Jenny Radsma, our Communications Coordinator, interviewed Tako Koning, the longest-serving director on our CJFF board. Thanks to him—and others on the board at the time—CJFF remained viable and emerged from the pandemic to become the vibrant and energetic enterprise it is today. In recognition of his efforts on behalf of CJFF, including his role as the Partnerships Director, the Tako Audience Award was named in his honour at the 2024 Calgary Justice Film Festival.
To read their conversation, they had at the Agguudo Café in the Kensington area, visit here. In the Spotlight: CJFF Director Tako Koning
On March 21, Jenny Radsma, our Communications Coordinator, interviewed Tako Koning, the longest-serving director on our CJFF board. Thanks to him—and others on the board at the time—CJFF remained viable and emerged from the pandemic to become the vibrant and energetic enterprise it is today. In recognition of his efforts on behalf of CJFF, including his role as the Partnerships Director, the Tako Audience Award was named in his honour at the 2024 Calgary Justice Film Festival.
To read their conversation, they had at the Agguudo Café in the Kensington area, visit here.
Check out other upcoming events hosted by our partners:
VOLUNTEERS & BOARD MEMBERS NEEDED
We are looking for the following volunteers and board members:
Event and Volunteer Coordinator (July to November)
Website Manager (Year-round)
Social Media Manager (Year-round)
Grant Researcher and Writer (Year-round)
Board Secretary (Year-round)
If interested, please reach out to social@justicefilmfestival.ca, Instagram or Facebook.