All My Puny Sorrows, the latest film by Michael McGowan (Score: A Hockey Musical) will open the 22nd Calgary International Film Festival, taking place from September 23 to October 3, 2021.

All My Puny Sorrows unexpectedly infuses wry humor into this heart-wrenching story of two loving sisters: one a gifted pianist (Sarah Gadon, Black Bear, American Woman) obsessed with ending her life, the other a struggling writer (Alison Pill, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Goon) who, in wrestling with this decision, makes profound discoveries about herself.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming our audience back to the theatres where we will feature over 160 in-cinema screenings and events over the 11-day festival, including our first-ever Industry Week that will feature inspiring and engaging programming tailor-made for industry professionals,” said Executive Director Steve Schroeder.

“Last year we were able to adjust our festival in a big way and we received wonderful feedback about our hybrid model, which we’re excited to bring back this year. CIFF will continue to meet and exceed provincial protocols to ensure the safety of our audiences at our multiple venues, and we’ll have more details of what the in-person and online experiences will look like in a few weeks.”

This festival season CIFF will present new Industry Week Programming to support professionals and students in the film and TV industries where they’ll have an opportunity to mingle, celebrate, and learn, including Alberta’s first-ever State of the Industry address, conversations with visionary filmmakers, a Master Class with the Ghostbusters: Afterlife editors Dana Glauberman and Nate Orloff, to name just a few, from September 23 – 26, 2021.