CIFF 2023

SHORTS: ALBERTA SPIRIT

Expired October 2, 2023 5:59 AM
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9 films in package
CONVICTION
After Joseph is released from jail, he faces inner demons that stand in the way of true freedom.
CHEMICAL SOMNIA
A sonorous trip into chemical landscapes.
MAKING MONEY IN... MANITOU, MANITOBA
Seven half-brothers reflect on their mother, pastimes, and insurance fraud in the slow-paced town of Manitou, Manitoba.
NO MORE KÎYÂM
Mosom doesn't want to start a conflict, after being treated unjustly by a medical professional.
JINN JULIAN
A troubled painter is plagued by his past and his demons in trying to avoid his gripping destiny.
RISE OF AFROBEATS IN THE PRAIRIES
The inspiring journey of two African creatives who find a sense of belonging, transforming Alberta's prairies through the power of Afrobeats.
UNVEILED TRADITIONS
A traditional Muslim chador has its meaning changed behind the closed doors of a nonconforming home.
OLD DRAGON MAN
The introspective journey of an elderly artist as he paints a majestic dragon.
THE GATEWAY
Calgary hip-hop artist Tara Wilson creates a life changing mentorship program that gives talented young street dancers the chance to chase their dreams.
The best of the fest as decided by the fans themselves! Most films at the festival are eligible for our Audience Awards and are based on the collective score of the audience ballots collected at each screening online and in-cinema. Unlock it to cast your vote.
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9 Alberta-made short films that showcase talent from all around the province. From experimental animation to danceable documentaries, this diverse group of films will have something that will surely appeal to everyone.



A cross-continental collaboration between filmmaker Scott Portingale and composer Gorkem Sen, CHEMICAL SOMNIA transports the viewer into chemical dimensions, exploring phase transition, fluid dynamics, and chemical reactions. Timelapse and high-speed photography were used on a macro scale to capture these elemental relationships in less than a square inch area on a petri dish. Uniquely resounding original music is performed by Gorkem Sen on an instrument he invented, the yaybahar.


Director Scott Portingale will be in attendance at the September 25 screening.


CHEMICAL SOMNIA will be screened as a part of the SHORTS: ALBERTA SPIRIT package.

  • Year
    2022
  • Runtime
    3 minutes
  • Country
    Canada
  • Premiere
    Canadian
  • Director
    Scott Portingale
  • Producer
    Scott Portingale
  • Cinematographer
    Scott Portingale
  • Editor
    Scott Portingale
  • Music
    Gorkem Sen, Huseyin Sadeddin Arel
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