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Our mission: To use the power of cinema to create a more inclusive and accurate dialogue about aging, inspiring audiences of all ages.

About Us

An older Asian man and woman sit together on steps outdoors with an intricate structure behind them. There is a suitcase next to them, and man holds a map while the woman points to something off to the right.

THIRD ACTion Film Festival celebrates the vibrant, resilent lives of older adults, challenging media misrepresentation and reshaping the narrative on aging. We showcase inspiring stories that:
 

  • Confront aging's realities

  • Highlight often-overlooked aspects of growing older

  • Foster intergenerational empathy

  • Challenge stereotypes


Through powerful films and engaging discussions, we build community and transform perceptions of aging across generations. Join us in celebrating the dynamic "third act" of life!

THIRD ACTion Film Festival celebrates the vibrant, resilent lives of older adults, challenging media misrepresentation and reshaping the narrative on aging. We showcase inspiring stories that confront aging's realities, highlight often-overlooked aspects of growing older, foster intergenerational empathy, and challenge stereotypes


Through powerful films and engaging discussions, we build community and transform perceptions of aging across generations. Join us in celebrating the dynamic "third act" of life!

Representation matters. Groups who rarely see themselves positively portrayed in media suffer a kind of symbolic annihilation, a sense of invisibility. Because Canadians are living longer, Statistics Canada projects that seniors will make up more than a quarter of Canada’s population by 2036. Every one of those people deserves better than the usual stereotypes we see in media—when we see older people at all—and so does everyone. The youth of today are the seniors of tomorrow. Imagine if we treated their futures as something to celebrate instead of dread.

A grandmother and granddaughter together with a mixing bowl and some flour. The grandmother is explaining something and the granddaughter has a cookie in her mouth. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
An older couple sit on chairs at the beach wearing jackets and clinking glasses of red wine. The woman has a red plaid blanket covering her legs and a picnic basket sits on a table between them. Photo by Kampus Production httpswww_edit

Why film? Canadian documentary director Katerina Cizek puts it simply, “Filmmaking is the art of weaving together a good story. A good story grips our imagination and takes us on a journey of discovery, through emotions, places, facts and realities. A good story makes us care.” and, “Advocacy storytelling is about effectively communicating your message to the audience and encouraging them to act.”

2017

2019

2022

2024

The festival is launched at Calgary's Glenbow Museum, offering 31 films  along with an art show addressing seniors’ mental health. 

The COVID-19 pandemic forces the festival to evolve  to an online platform. THIRD ACTion Film Festival expands to include monthly online screenings.

Lyn Cadence takes the helm in July. Festival planning for 2024 begins. Many more great things are in the works for the Calgary film festival scene!

2018

2020

2023

Mitzi Murray steps down in December. The search for a new Executive Director begins.

THIRD ACTion Film Festival is founded by Mitzi Murray, who asks, “What could a positive and productive third act of life look like?”

The festival grows and expands, partnering with other organizations to put on talks and screenings outside of the festival dates.

The festival returns, hosted at Inglewood’s Festival Hall, boasting an even wider variety of films and a versatile mix of simulcast, in-person only, and online only screenings.

We invite you to join us in creating an age-positive cultural shift! Check out our archives and consider attending next year's festival or explore other ways to get involved by clicking the button below.

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