From the stage to the screen: Bif Naked’s powerful journey to premiere at CIFF
Posted Aug 22, 2025 9:53 am.
Last Updated Aug 28, 2025 6:36 am.
A legend in Canada’s punk rock scene is set to return to Calgary in a very special way.
Beth Torbert, who goes by her stage name Bif Naked, is coming to Calgary for the world premiere of her documentary at the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF).
Speaking with 660 News Radio, Torbert shared her excitement for the documentary, describing it as a vulnerable experience.
“I am so nervous, and for it to be the first time that its showing anywhere in the whole world is very special,” Torbert said. “I’m weepy with excitement, and plus the crew is an Alberta crew, and so talented.
“It’s so big to me, it’s very meaningful.”
The film covers her story of being adopted in India, raised in Winnipeg, and then her emergence as a legend in Canada’s punk-rock scene while navigating challenges in her life, such as battling cancer.
“The first time I watched the very first cut, I was speechless,” she said. “In many ways, it’s incredibly humbling that anyone would want to do a documentary on me.
“But in many ways, I understand I have an unusual story. To see my birth mom talking on the screen, leaves me in puddles.”
Torbert was approached about the documentary following her memoir, ‘I, Bifficus’ being released in 2016.
For long-time fans of Bif Naked, or fans of punk rock in general, this documentary is a deep dive into nostalgia.
“I don’t know where they found this footage,” she said. “There are certain things in the film, the archival footage, that I just laugh my head off.
“I see my young self saying, ‘Save your rage for the stage, and my voice sounds so high when I’m talking. I laugh because I say the same things now.'”
The story is so much more than just music, it’s about someone who never played by the rules and never backed down.
‘Bif Naked: A documentary’ was directed by Pollyanna Hardwicke-Brown, the cinematography was done by Chase Gardiner, and produced by Adam Scorgie, Yas Taalat, Gabriel Napora, and Shane Fennessey.
The world premiere takes place on Thursday, Sept. 18.
More details can be found on the CIFF website.
