[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||16px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Arizonia||||||||” border_width_bottom=”1px”]
CEFF 2025 Closing Gala
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Sunday, November 9
Doors open at 7:00 PM, Program starts at 7:30 PM.
See you at RUMUR (formerly Lux by Rose,
right across from Globe Cinema.)
629, 8th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://europeincalgary.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Calgary-European-Film-Festival-Gala-2025-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Calgary European Film Festival Gala 2025″ _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://europeincalgary.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Gala-Program-v6.jpg” title_text=”Gala Program v6″ _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”1837.3px”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”Krakusy Polish Folklore” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”]
Is a vibrant, dynamic Polish dance group, where children and youth, as young as 5 years old, learn about Polish heritage, traditions and culture through song and dance. For over 20 years the group has entertained the audiences on local and international stages, with trips to Poland being the highlight of their adventures. Proud and excited to present the regional dances of Poland, Krakusy will participate in the Junior category of the Festival.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”Nashency” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”]
Bulgaria – one of the smallest countries in the world, yet with the richest folklore on the planet!
1342 years old – called ‘The Cradle of Life’, Bulgaria is a land of gifted warriors, talented craftsmen, skilled goldsmiths, amazing builders and unique music that defies time, heals the soul, captures the heart and awakens the body to a rhythm as old as time …
Our complex, irregular/uneven/asymmetrical beats have captured the heart and imagination of many musicologists, musicians, composers and folklore lovers around the world. It is so noteworthy that a piece of our music was sent into space by NASA. Touching the Bulgarian Folklore Art is an experience never forgotten!
Nashency is proud to present some of the magic made by music and delivered in a dance!
Our group was created 10 years ago with the goal to capture, preserve and share our culture, customs and traditions.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”Polanie Polish Song & Dance Association” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”]
Polanie Polish Song & Dance Association was founded in Calgary in 1977 under the initiative of Krystyna Cichowicz (Siostra Alojza). Since its onset, the ensemble has developed and established a unique style which has become a recognized landmark in Canada and Internationally. Polanie has participated in festivals in Poland, Italy, Canada and the United States. A significant highlight in our history and past achievements is marked by our performance at the opening ceremony of the Calgary Olympic Games in 1988. This past year, Polanie celebrated their 45th anniversary, and our dancers can look forward to participating once again in Rzeszow’s international festival for the first time since 2019.
The group exists to present and promote the rich heritage and artistic tradition of Polish folk and national dance, to cultivate high standards of technical and artistic merit, to enrich and foster the artistic development of youth, and to entertain audiences with our dynamic interpretations of the Polish dance form. Our vision is to celebrate the Polish heritage of Canadian youth through projecting our Polish folk dance team onto the global stage where we can share our culture and passion with the world. Among our artistic achievements, Polanie prides itself in hosting a culture of dancers who all approach their responsibilities and interests with great enthusiasm, determination, and passion. Because of the efforts of our dancers and all who have supported our organization, our youth is translating the skills and values learned on stage into their lives as they approach adulthood and become esteemed members of Canadian society.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”Azeri Calgary Star – Gule Batin – The Flower Dance” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
Choreographer: Lala Aslanur
Music: Azerbaijani Folk Music
Dancer: Paulina Gule Batin
Paulina Gule Batin brings to life the rhythm and melody of Azerbaijani folk traditions. The dance expresses love, life, and natural beauty, combining strength and softness in every movement. Like a flower opening to the sun, it conveys vitality, joy, and emotional depth. Gule Batin reflects a woman’s inner light — soft, strong, and full of life.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_divider][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”Vila Velebita Intermediate” content_max_width=”430px” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-2px|||||” custom_padding=”||0px|||”]
Vila Velebita Intermediate Consisting of children ranging from ages 11 to 14.
Part of a much longer Croatian folklore tradition in Calgary – CHS, as an organization is established in 1986. We are an active not-for-profit organization that is completely volunteer led and driven.
We are dedicated to preserving and celebrating Croatian culture in Calgary.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”Bianca Mihai” image=”https://europeincalgary.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/E34F996F-485D-47CF-A514-E2125F4ACCB2.png” content_max_width=”719px” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”]
Bianca Mihai is 14 years old living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is a part of The Young Canadian‘s performing art school, where she sings and dances. This year she participated at The Alberta Music Festival association where she got first place in Contemporary Vocal solo 13 years & under and Musical Theatre 13 years & under – Up Tempo. Also with The Young Canadians she performes every year at the Jubilee Auditorium and the Stampede Grand Stand show for 10 nights straight. In previous years Bianca has performed at both Ukrainian and Serbian Festivals and the Gala European Movie Festival. Her dream is to become a pop star one day and sing in front of thousands of people.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”The Doina Folk Dance Group” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”]
The Doina Folk Dance Group became a part of the Calgarian world of dance by adding a very traditional Moldo – Romanian flavor to it. This small, but yet growing folk dance group, was born in March 2017.
Its members come from the both sides of the Prut river, Romania and the Republic of Moldova, and all managed to unite via the traditional folk dance regardless of being so far away from the motherland. Doina is still in continuous improvement and exercises vigorously with the Romanian ethno-folk style and thus it became its main objectives to carry on performing this folk style and making it more popular among other styles.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”Anastassiia Alexander” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
Anastassiia Alexander is a Russian-born, Mexican flamenco dancer residing in
Calgary, Canada. Trained in Madrid, Spain, her artistic practice is rooted in tradition, yet explores the boundaries and the intersection of flamenco with contemporary performance. She has integrated her work in a variety of genres, including opera, spoken word, and media art.
A versatile dancer, Anastassiia has performed in productions varying from
contemporary to traditional flamenco tablaos in Canada and Mexico, including: Calgary International Flamenco Festival (Calgary), Victoria Flamenco Festival (Victoria), Fluid Festival (Calgary), Ibérica Contemporánea (Queretaro), Encuentro Internacional Al Andalus en Mexico (Mexico city), and numerous traditional tablaos in Mexico city, such as Hojas de Te, and flamenco performances in Calgary, Canada. She has also performed in various productions with Calgary Concert Opera (Calgary), in the production of Carmen at the Badlands by Mercury Opera (Edmonton), and collaborated with numerous artists from different disciplines such as visual artist Gabriele Kuzabaviciute, Calgary based poet Miranda Krogstad, spoken word performer BASK, world musician Jeff Kavanda, Syrian-born singer-songwriter and oud player Aya Mhana, jazz singer Tina Hartt, to name a few.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_divider][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”Serbian Cultural Society Frula (SKUD Frula)” content_max_width=”430px” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”]
Serbian Cultural Society Frula (SKUD Frula) is a non-profit organization, centered around the portrayal of Serbian culture through song and dance. We are a group that takes pride in learning, practicing, and performing many traditional Serbian folk dances – something we have been doing since our inception in 2009. In addition to practicing Serbian folk dances and songs, we volunteer and participate at many local events to give back to those who support us. We also organize fundraising events for those who need our support and have been able to raise money for many in need, both here in Canada and in Serbia.
The continuous education of Serbian traditions and customs is also very important, as it allows our members to learn and pass down a little bit of their ancestral history to their friends or loved ones. SKUD Frula hosts seminars and presentations each year to teach those interested about various aspects of Serbian culture. We believe that knowing where we come from and the history behind every dance or song is valuable to every member of SKUD Frula – as it brings us closer to our roots.
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Veteran group that has been enthusiastic about Serbian Folk dance for over than 15 years.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”Vykrutas Ukranian Dance Society- Junior” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”]
Our mission is to preserve and share Ukrainian heritage and culture through the joy of dance! Artistic Director, Vasyl Kanevets’ unique style emphasizes the Ukrainian spirit, and showcases traditional folk dances that have been passed down for generations. Our hard work and dedication have been recognized with awards from Canada and Ukraine, which have further motivated us to continue to strive for excellence. Our students range from 3 to adult, and have all found a home at our school. We invite you to dance with us and experience the joy that comes with sharing Ukrainian dance with others.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Society” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”]
Junior Tryzub is an audition-based, pre-professional group that trains dancers in the art and culture of Ukrainian dance. The highest level of the Tryzub School of Ukrainian Dance, Junior Tryzub exhibits technical mastery and artistry along with the core values of Tryzub School – excellence, teamwork, community, and pride.
[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”Sonny Carmona” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
Sonny Carmona is a vibrant and passionate Venezuelan-Canadian dancer whose heart beats in rhythm and movement. With 26 years of experience, she brings a unique blend of cultural authenticity and big-hearted energy to every stage.
Born in Barcelona, Venezuela, Sonny’s journey in Venezuelan folk dance transforms every step into an expression of heritage, story, and emotion.For the gala night, she shared with the audience “Pajarillo” by Luis Silva dance with bold, elegant, and challenging energy, carrying the pride of the Venezuelan plains. Her performance exudes presence, control, and deep feeling, telling an ancient story with every movement and celebrating her love for Venezuela.
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