The Anti-Racism Arts Festival Returns to Calgary for a Special Homecoming Edition!

We are thrilled to announce that the Anti-Racism Arts Festival is returning to Calgary in 2026—the city where it all began nearly a decade ago!

This milestone "homecoming" edition will feature our signature 48-Hour Film Challenge, inviting filmmakers of all skill levels to create powerful short films that confront racism and celebrate diversity.

The Challenge
Your mission: Write, shoot, and edit a short film (3–5 minutes) on an anti-racism theme—in just 48 hours. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or picking up a camera or phone for the first time, we want you to participate. Volunteers will be on hand throughout the weekend to help with ideas, filming, and editing. We want this to be as easy and accessible as possible.

Teams: Maximum of 4 core members per team (you can have as many actors as you like).

Key Dates

• Kickoff Event: Friday, October 9 at 5:30 PM at 1919 Studios, Kipling Square (601 10 Avenue SW, Calgary). At least one team member must attend to receive your official challenge and rules, meet other teams, and engage in anti-racist dialogue. Light refreshments will be served, and early sign-ups get exclusive swag!
• The 48 Hours: From Friday evening, October 9 until Sunday evening, October 11.
• Red Carpet Screening & Awards: Friday, October 16 at 5:30 PM (doors open) at the University of Calgary, Engineering Block C, Room ENC 70 Theatre. All films will be showcased on the big screen, with a panel of local judges selecting the winners. Prizes include $300 for first place, $200 for second, and $100 for third. Light refreshments will be served.
  
  

Prizes

• 🥇 First Place: $300
• 🥈 Second Place: $200
• 🥉 Third Place: $100

How to Register
Registration is now open! Spaces are limited, so sign up early to secure your spot and your swag. Visit our Anti-Racism Arts Festival page for full details and to complete the registration form.

A Community Effort
This festival has always been built by and for the community. We are incredibly grateful to our partners who make this possible: 1919mag, the Transliterates Research Lab at the University of Calgary, and the City of Calgary for their funding support.

Since 2015, this festival has traveled across Canada—from Edmonton to Winnipeg, Vancouver, Nanaimo, and beyond—empowering local communities to use creativity as a tool for social change. Now, we’re back in Calgary to celebrate how far we’ve come and to create the most impactful festival yet.

We can't wait to see the incredible stories you'll tell. Join us in using art to spark dialogue, confront racism, and build a more equitable Canada.

Register today and be part of this special homecoming!

register today!