CUFF Docs November 20-24, 2024: Our Film Picks
The Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) returns from November 20-24, 2024, at the Globe Cinema, bringing a diverse selection of bold, thought-provoking, and eye-opening documentaries to Calgary. This year's lineup dives deep into real-world stories that challenge perspectives, amplify voices, and explore the hidden corners of our world. From gripping music films to intimate personal stories, CUFF 2024 offers a unique chance to experience the power of non-fiction storytelling. We've curated a list of our must-see documentaries that will leave you questioning, reflecting, and inspired long after the credits roll.
Pavements
Pavements is an unconventional documentary that goes beyond the typical music film to explore the legacy of the iconic '90s indie band Pavement. Blending scripted narrative, documentary, and musical elements, the film follows the band's 2022 reunion tour preparations while also delving into a musical based on their songs, a museum dedicated to their history, and a Hollywood biopic about their influence on a generation. Directed by Alex Ross Perry, the film offers a unique, metatextual look at the band's lasting cultural impact.
Screening: November 23, 2024 @ 9:30pm
The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee
Indulge in the extraordinary true story of Christopher Lee, the iconic actor who became synonymous with screen villains, especially his legendary portrayal of Dracula. Spanning his remarkable 93-year life, the film delves into his aristocratic upbringing, wartime service, secretive Nazi-hunting missions, and unparalleled acting career, which included roles in James Bond, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings. Presented through an inventive puppet narration, produced by Arch Model Studios (creator of the puppets for Wes Anderson's FANTASTIC MR FOX and Tim Burton's FRANKENWEENIE), the documentary reveals the untold depths of Lee's fascinating journey from soldier to cinema legend, with a Guinness World Record for the most screen performances.
Screening: November 24, 2024 @ 6:30pm
Michel Gondry, Do It Yourself
This film offers a rare, intimate look at Michel Gondry, the visionary director known for his groundbreaking work in music videos and cinema. From collaborating with icons like Björk and The Rolling Stones to winning an Oscar for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Gondry's offbeat, DIY style redefined both music and film, blending creativity with a deeply humanist perspective. The documentary explores his unique approach, showcasing how his eccentric artistry continues to inspire and challenge traditional norms.
Screening: November 21, 2024 @ 9:00pm
Chain Reactions
CHAIN REACTIONS examines the lasting impact of Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on global cinema and culture, 50 years after its release. The documentary presents a ripping framework on how the film shaped the creative journeys of five influential figures—Patton Oswalt, Takashi Miike, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Stephen King, and Karyn Kusama—through their personal connections to its unsettling imagery and themes. By blending contemporary interviews with rare footage, the film reveals how this low-budget horror classic became a defining force in both the genre and popular consciousness.
Screening: November 22, 2024 @ 9:30pm
DEVO
This documentary explores the radical spirit of Devo, a band born from philosophy and Dadaism, determined to infiltrate American pop culture with their avant-garde vision. Through rare archival footage and interviews with band members Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, and Jerry Casale, director Chris Smith delves into Devo's 50-year journey, from their lo-fi beginnings to becoming pioneers of the music video era and 1980s pop culture icons. The film highlights their surreal, boundary-pushing performances and their prophetic influence on the world’s shift toward consumerism and "De-Evolution."
Screening: November 22, 2024 @ 7:00pm
Passes and GA tickets are on sale now. Check out the full festival schedule on www.calgaryundergroundfilm.org.