Peter Dinklage to walk CIFF red carpet in support of Alberta-shot 'The Thicket'
Peter Dinklage (right) stars in The Thicket. The film will screen at the Calgary International Film Festival's opening gala. (Courtesy: Calgary International Film Festival)
The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) will kick off its 25th anniversary with a star-studded red carpet – featuring Peter Dinklage.
Dinklage, best known for portraying Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones, will be attending CIFF in support of his new film The Thicket.
The Alberta-shot film, described as a dark western thriller about vengeance, justice and an unlikely companionship, also stars Juliette Lewis (Yellowjackets), Esmé Creed-Miles (Hanna), and Levon Hawke (Wildcat).
Dinklage will be joined by Leslie Grace (In the Heights) to walk the red carpet at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Arts Commons, for the festival’s opening gala on Sept. 19. The event will be followed by a post-screening Q&A.
“When fierce bounty hunter Reginald Jones (Peter Dinklage) is recruited by a desperate man to track down a ruthless killer known only as Cutthroat Bill (Juliette Lewis), he rallies a band of unlikely heroes, including a grave-digging ex-slave and a street-smart woman-for-hire,” CIFF said in a news release.
“Together, they embark on a perilous quest to track down Cutthroat Bill, leading them into the deadly no man’s land known as The Thicket.”
The Thicket was filmed around Calgary in mid-winter. Produced by Chad Oakes and Michal Frislev of Calgary-based Nomadic Pictures and directed by Elliott Lester, the film was adapted from the novel of the same name by Joe Lansdale.
“Launching the festival with a film that was made right here in Alberta with Alberta crews is a perfect fit for our opening gala and having the most high-profile red carpet in CIFF’s history with guests like Peter Dinklage means we get to demonstrate Alberta’s place in the film economy on a star-studded stage,” said Katherine Penhale, CIFF’s acting executive director.
Tickets for the opening night gala go on sale on Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. through Arts Commons.
More information about the festival can be found on CIFF's website.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former PM Chretien says Liberal party must move back to 'radical centre'
As the Liberal party searches for a new leader, former prime minister Jean Chretien says it's time for the party to move back to the "radical centre" to help its electoral fortunes.
'Everything is on the table': Joly won't rule out cutting off energy exports to U.S. in face of Trump tariff threat
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly is not ruling out any countermeasures when it comes to dealing with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump — his threat of significant tariffs on Canadian imports, in particular.
Royal treasures hidden since Second World War recovered from cathedral
Historical treasures hidden for decades have been uncovered in the crypts of a cathedral, with items including burial crowns and insignia belonging to Medieval European rulers.
'Thankful for the rest of my life': Woman's final goodbye with father captured on video at Winnipeg airport
One woman is expressing her deepest gratitude to the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport after the staff helped her retrieve the security footage of her final moments with her father.
A father who stayed by his son's bedside were among the victims in California's wildfires
An amputee and his son with cerebral palsy were among the 11 deaths in the fires raging around Los Angeles. The father was found at his son’s bedside.
Lone sailor trapped in ice sparks concern in Southern Georgian Bay
A lone sailor living on a sailboat trapped in the Georgian Bay ice has sparked concern among Penetanguishene residents.
Former B.C. premier says she 'misspoke' when claiming she was never a Conservative
Former British Columbia premier Christy Clark, who is considering a run for federal Liberal leader, has backtracked on her claim this week that she'd never been a member of the Conservative party.
U.S. special counsel Jack Smith has resigned
U.S. Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned from the Justice Department effective Friday, according to a court filing.
UPDATED
UPDATED Anita Anand will not seek Liberal leadership
Transport Minister Anita Anand announced on social media Saturday she will not seek the leadership of the Liberal Party, nor will she run for re-election in the riding of Oakville.
Edmonton
-
Repeat offenders behind upscale hillside encampment, expert says they're outliers
Edmonton police say a sophisticated encampment in the Fulton Creek area was the work of repeat offenders.
-
Hyman nets winner as Oilers rally to beat Blackhawks 4-3
Zach Hyman scored a tiebreaking power-play goal in the third period, and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 on Saturday night.
-
Alberta RCMP advising people to avoid travel Saturday due to poor driving conditions
Alberta RCMP are asking people to avoid travel Saturday due to poor driving conditions in areas across Central and Northern Alberta.
Lethbridge
-
'Good neighbours': Montana residents share thoughts on Trump's '51st state' threat
As U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to annex Canada, some residents in Montana are sharing their thoughts on the idea of Canada becoming the “51st state.”
-
Man dies after falling into sink hole at Fernie Alpine Resort
An investigation is underway by Elk Valley RCMP after a man died Wednesday after falling into a sink hole at Fernie Alpine Resort.
-
One Alberta man gets jail, another community time for 2022 Coutts border protest
Two Alberta men have been sentenced for their roles in the illegal Coutts border blockade in 2022.
Vancouver
-
Mission RCMP issue public call out amid mailbox thefts
Police are requesting the public’s help with an investigation into a series of mailbox and mail thefts in Mission.
-
Youths wielding imitation firearms arrested in 2 separate incidents in Abbotsford, police say
Police in Abbotsford say they responded to two separate incidents involving young people threatening others with BB or airsoft guns.
-
Senior charged with robbing Vancouver luxury store has died, coroner confirms
The 66-year-old man accused of holding up a Holt Renfrew store in downtown Vancouver last month has died, the BC Coroners Service confirmed Saturday.
Vancouver Island
-
Former B.C. premier says she 'misspoke' when claiming she was never a Conservative
Former British Columbia premier Christy Clark, who is considering a run for federal Liberal leader, has backtracked on her claim this week that she'd never been a member of the Conservative party.
-
‘That’s what good neighbours do’: B.C. sending help to fight California wildfires
British Columbia is preparing to deploy B.C. wildfire crews to southern California.
-
West Kelowna fire chief says L.A. devastation a haunting reminder of B.C. blaze
The fire chief of a British Columbia community devastated by a fast-moving wildfire in 2023 says it's "haunting" to see similar circumstances playing out in Southern California.
Saskatoon
-
'Everybody wins': Saskatoon SPCA garage sale makes room for fundraising
Garage sale season started a little early in Saskatoon this year. The SPCA held a garage sale Saturday to make use of some its more abundant gently used donations that might go unused.
-
These Sask. highways are restricted following multiple weather-related collisions
Saskatchewan RCMP are urging caution on the roads as they respond to multiple weather-related collisions and incidents across southeastern and southcentral Saskatchewan.
-
Sask. teen charged with animal cruelty after dog found dead
A teen boy from Deschambault Lake, Sask., has been charged with animal cruelty after a dog was found dead in the community.
Regina
-
Regina woman charged in death of infant after lengthy investigation
A woman has been charged in the death of an infant following a lengthy investigation.
-
Sled dogs run through parts of Sask., offering guided tour rides for guests
If you have a liking for dogs and are looking for something fun to do this winter, Campbell’s Racing Sled Dogs is for you.
-
Sask. overdose numbers in 2024 drop, according to new report
After three years of the highest count of deaths due to overdoses in Saskatchewan’s history, the numbers have declined.
Toronto
-
Downtown Toronto stabbing sends 1 person to hospital
One person has been seriously injured in a stabbing in Moss Park, Toronto police say.
-
Woman charged after man found stabbed in burning Toronto apartment
A 29-year-old woman is facing charges after a man was found with stab wounds in a burning apartment in downtown Toronto Friday morning.
-
This Canadian teen lost her hands and feet, she says more people should know how it happened
A Canadian teen is reaching audiences around the world with powerful social media videos showing life without hands and feet – the price she paid after developing sepsis.
Montreal
-
Tough lesson: Thousands of 'unqualified' teachers in Quebec schools
Monique Henry has been teaching English in Quebec for the better part of two decades without official certification. As a so-called "unqualified" teacher, she has had to learn her profession the hard way.
-
CTV News Montreal at 6 p.m. for Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025
Watch CTV News Montreal at 6 p.m. for Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 with anchor Matt Grillo.
-
'It's a great way to hasten an early death': Montreal emergency warming station closes as city says it's not cold enough to keep open
A city-run warming station that sheltered more than 1,000 people at a YMCA has closed with the city saying it's not cold enough outside to keep it open.
Atlantic
-
Children rescued from fire, RCMP Halifax investigating
Fire services rescued three children from a house fire in Lower Sackville, N.S., Saturday.
-
Volunteers fix broken items at repair café in Moncton, N.B.,
People line up to have broken items fixed at the RepairVerse Café in Moncton, N.B. on the second Saturday of e every month.
-
Animal Shelter in New Brunswick closes after 18 years
After 18 years, Nicole Thebeau is closing the Kent County Animal Shelter in Richibucto, N.B.
Winnipeg
-
'Thankful for the rest of my life': Woman's final goodbye with father captured on video at Winnipeg airport
One woman is expressing her deepest gratitude to the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport after the staff helped her retrieve the security footage of her final moments with her father.
-
Waverley West fire station officially commissioned
A temporary fire station in one of Winnipeg’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods received the ribbon-cutting treatment on Saturday
-
New stretch of the Nestaweya River Trail opens
Outdoor enthusiasts in Winnipeg have a few more kilometres of ice to skate, cycle and run on.
Ottawa
-
Ottawa police identify man, 58, found dead in Barrhaven
The Ottawa Police Service has identified a 58-year-old man who was found dead in the city's Barrhaven neighbourhood on Friday night.
-
Smiths Falls, Ont. firefighter recounts dramatic ice rescue
Fire officials in Smiths Falls are warning the public over the dangers of ice after a 14-year-old boy fell into freezing waters on Friday afternoon.
-
‘People are excited’: Portion of Rideau Canal Skateway opens for the first time this year
A section of the Rideau Canal Skateway has opened for the first time this winter.
Northern Ontario
-
Two charged with first-degree murder, arson in northern Ont.
A man and a woman from Blind River have been charged with first-degree murder and a third person has been charged with accessory to murder after the fact.
-
Northern Ont. friends prepare for 450-km ski and snowshoe trek
Jean-Philippe Marineau and Patrice Beauparlant, lifelong friends who grew up in Hearst, Ont., are training for a 450-km trek from Fort Albany to Hearst, Ont.
-
It's sick season. Here's how to protect yourself from norovirus, COVID-19, flu and RSV
While many of the germs that cause this misery can circulate throughout the year, scientists think that the winter surge of flu and cold activity may be because we spend more time indoors and the cold, dry air may weaken our defences.
Barrie
-
Lone sailor trapped in ice sparks concern in Southern Georgian Bay
A lone sailor living on a sailboat trapped in the Georgian Bay ice has sparked concern among Penetanguishene residents.
-
Teen allegedly hit by vehicle while being pulled on GT Racer: OPP
Police in Orillia are investigating an incident that left a 14-year-old in the hospital after they were injured while being pulled on a GT Racer.
-
Traffic light allegedly destroyed during crash, impaired driving charges laid
Police in Collingwood have arrested and charged a man after he was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when he crashed into a traffic light.
Kitchener
-
Local kidney donors to conquer three Guatemalan volcanoes to prove there are no limits after donation
Two living kidney donors, from Bright, Ont. and north of Elmira, Ont., are gearing up for an extraordinary adventure to show the world that donating an organ doesn't just save lives—it can open up new possibilities.
-
Pedestrian suffers serious injuries after getting struck by vehicle in Cambridge
A pedestrian is in hospital with serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Cambridge early Saturday morning.
-
U.S. special counsel Jack Smith has resigned
U.S. Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned from the Justice Department effective Friday, according to a court filing.
London
-
'Hands-on skills': Paramedic students given real-life scenarios during simulation event at Fanshawe College
It was only a simulation, but for students in the Paramedic program at Fanshawe College saving a mother and her baby from a car wreck is a possible scenario they will encounter in the coming weeks.
-
London police charge driver that failed to clear snow off vehicle
London police have laid charges against one unfortunate motorist after the driver failed to properly clear snow off their vehicle.
-
UPDATED
UPDATED Anita Anand will not seek Liberal leadership
Transport Minister Anita Anand announced on social media Saturday she will not seek the leadership of the Liberal Party, nor will she run for re-election in the riding of Oakville.
Windsor
-
'That's amazing': Brentwood Dream Home Lottery awards prizes
The 33rd annual lottery, held by Brentwood Recovery Home, revealed the winners of all 21 grand prizes, which had a combined value of more than $1.2 million.
-
High proportion of jobs in Windsor-Sarnia at risk in tariff threats
A report from Statistics Canada notes the proportion of Canadians employed in industries dependent on US demand, with jobs supported by the trade relationship now in jeopardy.
-
LaSalle police clock driver going 91km/h in a 50km/h zone
LaSalle police have issued stunt driving charges after stopping a vehicle on Front Road.
