Festival of Animated Objects Returns with Puppetry, Masks, and Film in March
The Festival of Animated Objects, a unique celebration of puppetry and masks through performances, exhibitions, and films, is set to come alive in Calgary from March 14 to 22, 2026. This year's edition promises to captivate audiences with two travelling shows, pay-what-you-can film screenings, and innovative exhibitions across various venues.
Travelling Shows Take Center Stage
Festival director Cosmo Christoffersen highlights the two main travelling productions. Radio Silence, set in the Yukon during the 1920s, follows the story of a missing female bush pilot and her twin sister's search. Created by The Wonderheads with visually astounding masks, this show was initially designed for adults but has become a beloved family event due to its appeal to children.
Performances are scheduled for both weekends: March 14 at 7 p.m. and March 15 at 2 p.m. at the Rocky Ridge YMCA, and March 21 at 7 p.m. and March 22 at 2 p.m. at the Seton YMCA.
The second show, Otosan from Toronto, offers a single performance on March 17 at 7 p.m. at cSPACE Marda Loop. It tells the true story of little Shizu, who hides in her father's suitcase as he travels north as a wildlife photographer, encountering snowy owls, white wolves, and grizzly bears. Based on Shizuka Kai's experiences, the performance includes real wildlife footage and is nearly sold out, prompting early reservations.
Film Screenings and Incubator Series
Two pay-what-you-can film screenings will be held on March 14 at Alcove Beltline, 1040 8th Street S.W. Animovies features 13 short films addressing themes from deforestation to the dangers of smoking for monkeys. Memory Hotel, by filmmaker Heinrich Sabl at 8:30 p.m., follows Sophie's escape from the Soviet Union during the Nazi invasion, a story requiring adult accompaniment for younger viewers due to its mature subject matter.
The Incubator Series presents two shows: The Twilight Glow of Romeo, using abstract puppetry and projections to explore finding second love after loss, on March 18 at 7 p.m. and March 19 at 2 p.m. at cSPACE Marda Loop; and Esperanza, inspired by Mexican culture with masks and shadow puppetry, about a young girl navigating the Land of the Dead.
Exhibitions and Cabaret Highlights
Christoffersen encourages visitors to explore exhibitions at multiple venues, including a featured display at the Werklund Centre with works from six artists. A standout event is the Dolly Wiggler Cabaret, an irreverent evening of songs, skits, and drag performers for adults only, held on March 20 and 21 from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion #1.
For more details on all shows and to purchase tickets, visit the festival website at puppetfestival.ca.
