CIFF announces first slate of films, including ‘raw and unfiltered’ look at musical life of Bif Naked

A raw and unfiltered look into the life of Canadian musician Bif Naked will be screened as part of the 2025 Calgary International Film Festival.

The Calgary International Film Festival announced its first slate of films Wednesday, including the world premiere of a documentary about Canadian musical icon Bif Naked.

Described as a “raw and unfiltered look at the life of one of Canada’s most iconic and fearless musicians”, Bif Naked, directed by Pollyanna Hardwicke-Browne, will receive a Spotlight+ screening as part of CIFF’s Day One program.

That means Bif Naked herself will be on the red carpet in advance of the screening, along with a post-screening Q&A and musical performance.

Other Canadian world premieres announced Wednesday by CIFF include A Dickens of a Christmas, by Gillian McKercher, Calorie, by Eisha Marjara, Do Us Part by Downstage artistic director Clare Preuss, Fruit is Ripe by Yuqi Kang, Love, Harold by Alan Zweig, Middle Life by Pavan Moondi, Pulse of the Continent by Eric Gonzalez, and Singhs in the Ring, by Akash Sherman.

“Every year we get so excited about the lineup and can’t wait for audiences to dig into all the gems we’ve found,” said CIFF lead programmer Brenda Lieberman, in a release. “We’re always looking for a unique mix from around the world, with something for everyone.

“At this year’s festival we will kick things off with our Day One films, with five features from different sections at Contemporary Calgary and Globe Cinema, with one big after-party. We’re all big fans of Bif Naked, who will take centre stage with our Spotlight+ screening and performance.”

Tickets for Bif Naked at Spotlight+ go on sale Thursday. For more information, go here.