Vancouver is one of Canada’s most beautiful cities, and while it may be known for its lush parks, mountainous backdrops, and ocean views, its appeal also stems from its culture. Vancouver is a hub for music, art, and cinema. Every year, Vancouver hosts an annual event that spotlights the city’s strong connection to the world of film. This year, that event will celebrate its 41st year with a massive spectacle that will draw some of the world’s biggest film stars to the city.
The Vancouver International Film Festival, or VIFF, is one of the best celebrations of cinema there is. This is a festival that plays out over several days with an array of incredible films from creators around the world. It takes place at the VIFF Centre, a large venue with a glamorous feel that has played host to the festival for years.
The VIFF was launched in the late 50s, shuttered in the 60s due to financial difficulties, and re-launched successfully in the 80s. It is now one of Canada’s biggest and longest-running festivals. This year’s festival will take place from September 29th to October 9th. It will feature around 120 feature films and 100 short films from worldwide filmmakers.
The types of films you’ll find at the VIFF differ. There are mainstream, wide-release crowd pleasers and under-the-radar films from emerging creators. The festival is a juried event, so both critics and the audience will get to select the films that they love most. Many awards will be presented at the festival, such as the Most Popular International Film, the National Film Board Award for Best Documentary, and the Dragons and Tigers Award for Young Cinema.
Numerous other awards carry significant prestige. These include the People’s Choice Award, Best in Animation Award, and the VIFF Immersed Awards, which focuses on virtual reality cinematic experiences.
If you want to see some films from up-and-coming Canadian creators, this festival is the best place to be. There is a range of categories at the event dedicated to Canadian creators, such as the True North category that will spotlight rising Canadian filmmakers from across the country.
The VIFF won’t just be a place to enjoy cutting-edge new films from an international collection of creators. The event will also be an experience where avid film enthusiasts connect with top industry leaders and like-minded fans. There will be talks, conferences, and performances, many featuring widely recognized names in the film business.
The Vancouver International Film Festival features sections for music in cinema and sections that celebrate virtual reality. These are two unique film festival twists that highlight the creativity of the event and the immersive and well-rounded experience that guests are in for. With more than two hundred films, many conferences, panels, and talks, this will be a festival that will showcase the direction that the future of film is heading in.
