5 Must-See Films at CUFF.Docs 2026

The Calgary Underground Film Festival’s CUFF.Docs Documentary Film Festival returns to the Globe Cinema from November 18–22, 2026. For its 14th edition the festival presents 15 feature documentaries, 17 shorts, and the popular CATVIDEOFEST, gathering a vibrant mix of films that span Canadian politics, Indigenous hip-hop, Hollywood legends, underground music scenes, and even a remarkable urban owl.

CUFF.Docs has become a distinct counterpart to the main Calgary Underground Film Festival, showcasing documentaries that embrace unusual subjects, inventive storytelling, and filmmakers who push the form. Attendance has been growing—up more than 20% in 2025 and 85% over the last two years—reflecting the festival’s expanding profile and the interest in inventive nonfiction programming.

The 2026 lineup pairs films that premiered at Cannes, TIFF, Venice, Sitges and other major festivals with Canadian productions and emerging voices. There is also a strong local presence: a Calgary documentary premieres here and several Alberta filmmakers will attend screenings. Below are five recommended films drawn from festival buzz, directorial track records, regional connections, and personal interest.

More to Watch at CUFF.Docs 2026: Features, Shorts, and the Matthew Rankin Retrospective

Beyond the five spotlighted films, the programme includes notable features such as Captain Newfoundland, which explores the eccentric legacy of Newfoundland broadcaster Geoff Stirling, and More Miles Than Money: The Story of Jr. Gone Wild, an Edmonton-made film about Alberta’s country-punk scene. Fans of practical effects and behind-the-scenes movie craft will want to catch Rubberhead: The Life & Monsters of Steve Johnson, while Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders reexamines the controversies around William Friedkin’s Cruising. Sumo: Spirit Weighs Nothing, from director Erik Shirai, continues to travel the festival circuit after screenings at Venice, Telluride and BFI London.

The short-film programme features nine new Canadian shorts, three from Alberta, including Concrete Nature about Canada’s youngest Olympic athlete, The Bookstore That Never Sleeps about an independent bookstore, Find Your Pack focused on roller derby, and Not in My City: The Paul Brandt Story confronting human trafficking. Two Indigenous shorts developed through the Winnipeg Film Group’s Super 8 Special Film Incubator—Giiwe πρό bizhiw and Indigenous Joy—are also in the lineup.

An Afternoon with Matthew Rankin: Documentary Shorts Retrospective and Artist Talk

One standout event is An Afternoon with Matthew Rankin on Thursday, November 19 at 4:00 PM. The retrospective screens four early short documentaries—Kubasa in a Glass: The Strange World of the Winnipeg TV Commercial (2006), Cattle Call (2008), Negativipeg (2010), and A Day in Grasslands (2019)—followed by an artist talk with CUFF Lead Programmer Cameron Macgowan. Rankin’s short work illuminates the development of the singular style he later brought to feature films like The Twentieth Century and Universal Language. Paired with Rankin’s opening-night feature, the retrospective offers a rare chance to see a filmmaker’s evolution across nearly two decades.

Here are five films to prioritize at CUFF.Docs 2026.

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5. Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney

Festival Presentation: Opening Night Film: November 18, 6:30 PM

Notable Festivals: Toronto International Film Festival 2026 (People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award Winner), Atlantic International Film Festival 2026

Matthew Rankin’s documentary examines the flamboyant rise of Brian Mulroney, the charismatic 18th prime minister of Canada. Using a collage of archival material—roughly 80,000 pieces—Rankin constructs a genre-bending portrait that blends politics, propaganda and pop culture into a psychedelic look at political performance and media-driven identity.

Director: Matthew Rankin

Notable Previous Work: The Twentieth Century (2019), Universal Language (2024), The Tesla World Light (2017)

In Attendance: Director Matthew Rankin

Why Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney Might Be Worth a Watch

Rankin is one of Canada’s most distinct filmmakers, known for surreal reworkings of historical figures and events. This film applies that sensibility to archival documentary, turning a political biography into a hypnotic, often absurd, study of image-making and national identity. It won attention at TIFF and took the People’s Choice Midnight Madness prize, and Rankin’s presence at CUFF.Docs—paired with his shorts retrospective—makes this a high-priority screening for those intrigued by inventive documentary form and political storytelling.

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4. Starry Night

Premiere Status: World Premiere

Set in Calgary, Starry Night follows a troupe of performers—many living with schizophrenia—as they create and tour a play that conveys lived experience through theatre. The film highlights how artistic expression and community support can improve quality of life and reduce stigma, presenting a hopeful view of mental health and creativity.

Director: Bruce Thomas Miller

In Attendance: Director Bruce Thomas Miller and local cast and crew

Why Starry Night Might Be Worth a Watch

This world premiere is a strong example of why local work matters at festivals. Director Bruce Thomas Miller’s ties to the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta and his collaboration with non-professional performers give the film credibility and sensitivity. Rather than framing participants as subjects for outside commentary, Starry Night centers their own stories through performance—an approach that offers dignity and nuance and that festival audiences will find both moving and informative. At under 50 minutes, it’s also convenient for busy schedules and a great way to support Calgary filmmaking.

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3. Wild Inside

Notable Festivals: Rooftop Films 2026 (World Premiere), Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival 2026 (Opening Night)

Wild Inside tells the surprising story of Flaco, a Eurasian Eagle-Owl who escaped the Central Park Zoo and became a symbol of freedom across Manhattan. The film combines crowd-sourced footage, local testimony and observational scenes to trace Flaco’s transformation from captive to cultural icon.

Director: Penny Lane

Notable Previous Work: Our Nixon (2013), Nuts! (2016), Hail Satan? (2019), Listening to Kenny G (2021)

Why Wild Inside Might Be Worth a Watch

Penny Lane is a filmmaker who turns unusual subjects into thoughtful investigations of culture and meaning. Her personal interest in birdwatching and the community-driven nature of Flaco’s story make this more than a quirky nature film: it asks how we relate to wildlife, captivity and symbolism in the city. The film’s mix of intimate local voices and broader reflections on freedom gives it a fable-like resonance that appeals to both casual viewers and documentary fans.

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2. Dernsie: The Amazing Life of Bruce Dern

Notable Festivals: Cannes Film Festival 2026 (Cannes Classics), Sitges Film Festival 2026 (Best Sitges Documenta Film Winner)

Dernsie is an intimate portrait of Bruce Dern, spanning his decades-long career in Hollywood. Built from more than 50 hours of interviews, rare photographs and personal footage, the film traces his persistence, reinvention and influence, with contributions from directors and actors who worked alongside him.

Director: Mike Mendez

Notable Previous Work: The Convent (2000), The Gravedancers (2006), Big Ass Spider! (2013)

Featuring: Bruce Dern, Laura Dern, Quentin Tarantino, Alexander Payne, Billy Bob Thornton, and others

In Attendance: Director Mike Mendez

Why Dernsie Might Be Worth a Watch

Bruce Dern’s career connects eras and styles in American cinema, from studio-era stars to contemporary auteurs. Mike Mendez, known for cult genre work, brings a fresh perspective to the biography, and the film’s strong festival recognition—Cannes Classics and Sitges awards—underscores its appeal. For viewers interested in film history and acting careers forged outside the mainstream, Dernsie is a richly detailed celebration of resilience and craft.

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1. Turtle Island Rap

Notable Festivals: Toronto International Film Festival 2026 (World Premiere), Vancouver International Film Festival 2026

Turtle Island Rap celebrates contemporary Indigenous youth culture by following three emerging rappers—A$h Da Hunter, Travis Thompson and Wiidaaseh—as they develop their craft and shape communities through music. The film blends performance footage, intimate moments and creative process to showcase Indigenous creativity and resilience.

Director: Alexandra Lazarowich

Notable Previous Work: Fast Horse (2018), Lake (2019), Winding Path (2024)

Featuring: A$h Da Hunter, Travis Thompson, Wiidaaseh

In Attendance: Director Alexandra Lazarowich, producer Jessica Ford, Wiidaaseh, and cast and crew

Why Turtle Island Rap Might Be Worth a Watch

This film offers a timely and celebratory counterpoint to documentaries that focus primarily on historical trauma. By following three distinct artists from different nations and communities, Turtle Island Rap emphasizes the diversity of contemporary Indigenous experience and the ways young voices are reshaping music, fashion and cultural life. Director Alexandra Lazarowich—herself a Cree filmmaker from northern Alberta—brings local ties and a strong documentary track record, making this screening a meaningful chance to support Indigenous storytelling and emerging talent.

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