8. Edmonton International Film Festival

The Buzz -- One of the highlights of Edmonton's film festival is "24/One," in which filmmakers have 24 hours to complete a seven-minute movie. The results are always interesting, and frequently astonishingly good. There's also a series of midday short films that include lunch and discussion. The rest of the program is comprised of about 40 feature length films plus a host of shorts from all over the world, attended by a wide range of filmmakers such as John Waters, Norman Jewison, Werner Herzog and Jorgen Leth. Venues are cash only at the door and include Empire Theatres at Edmonton City Centre (10200 102 Ave), Garneau Theatre (8712 109 St), Princess Theatres (10337 82 Ave), and Metro Cinema at the Citadel Theatre Complex (9828 101A Ave). Advance tickets are also available through the EIFF Offices, 10816A 82 Ave.