Oscar-winning screenwriter Charlie Kaufman named keynote speaker as part of CIFF’s Industry Week

Oscar-nominated screenwriter will deliver a keynote speech at the Calgary International Film Festiva's Industry Week Showcase Sept. 21.

Oscar-winning screenwriter Charlie Kaufman is coming to the Calgary International Film Festival to be a keynote speaker at the festival’s Industry Week.

Kaufman, who also directs, will also be present at a screening of his latest film How to Shoot a Ghost -- “a darkly comic, surreal meditation on grief and the absurdity of closure” -- at a Sept. 20 screening of Shorts: If We Were a Movie at the Plaza Theatre.

Kaufman will be joined by writer Eva H.D., who wrote How to Shoot a Ghost, on Sunday morning from 10 a.m. to 11: 30 a.m. at Contemporary Calgary.

In 2004, Kaufman shared the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay with director Michel Gondry and French artist Pierre Bismuth for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which starred Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet and Mark Ruffalo.

He was also nominated for writing Being John Malkovich, Adaptation and for best feature animation with Anomalisa.

“His fiercely original storytelling and unflinching exploration of the human psyche have cemented him as one of the most influential voices in modern cinema,” said a CIFF release.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Charlie Kaufman and Eva H.D. to CIFF Industry Week 2025,” said CIFF programmer and industry specialist Celina Vides. “His work continues to challenge convention and inspire a generation of storytellers. At a time when authenticity is more important than ever, Charlie’s perspective is both vital and timely.”

Industry Week 2025 will take place at a variety of venues across the city during the festival, including Sept. 19-21 at the Delta Hotel downtown, at the IATSA 212 Building on Sept. 26 and at Chinook Centre on Sept. 27. Industry Week features panels, speakers, screenings, workshops and networking opportunities.

For more information about CIFF Industry Week, go here.