The annual Vancouver International Film Festival is a showcase of exceptional cinema in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. In 2023, VIFF will present approximately 120 features and 100 shorts and expand the frame with talks, creative development opportunities, performances, and other unique events that celebrate film and film culture.
VIFF's 2022 edition screened cinema from 75 countries and offered Vancouver audiences the opportunity to experience 34 world premieres, 8 international premieres, 42 North American premieres and 56 Canadian premieres. Furthermore, almost half of our program’s full-length films were a director’s first feature.
Events included An Evening with Michael Abels (composer for Nope), with the participation of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and the live score NOSFERATU 100 by BIG KILL: A Symphony of Horror. Insightful talks were held with Costume Designer Deborah L. Scott (Avatar: Way of Water), Production Designer Katie Byron (Don’t Worry Darling), and Director Clement Virgo (Brother).
Signals offered a unique interactive exhibition exploring creative technology’s potential in storytelling, while VIFF Amp invited musicians and composers to learn about the opportunities that arise when music and visual media intersect. Two days of industry panels were augmented by creative development opportunities like VIFF Labs and the VIFF Catalyst mentorship program.
FILM PROGRAMMING SERIES
Galas & Special Presentations: Highly anticipated films screening in our marquee venue.
Showcase: Exceptional cinema that will resonate strongly with VIFF audiences.
Panorama: An array of remarkable narrative films from every corner of the globe.
Vanguard: Rising international talents bring their singular visions to the screen.
Northern Lights: The next wave of Canadian and Indigenous storytellers.
Insights: Documentaries that change the way we see the world.
Spectrum: A collection of innovative nonfiction filmmaking.
Portraits: A kaleidoscope of ground-breaking artists, great performances, and cultural icons.
Altered States: This is where the wild ones come out to play.
VIFF Short Forum: The perspectives and approaches that are elevating short-form storytelling in Canada.
International Shorts: In only minutes, these films immerse you in fully realized narratives that leave a mark.
MODES: International short works that explore how far the form of cinema is capable of bending.
(These series are subject to change).
At the 2022 edition, VIFF presented the following awards:
Best Canadian Film Award
$15,000 award presented by the Directors Guild of Canada.
Best Canadian Documentary Award
$15,000 award presented by the Rogers Group of Funds.
Vanguard Award
$5,000 award presented by the Lochmaddy Foundation.
Emerging Canadian Director Award
$3,000 award presented by the Directors Guild of Canada.
Best BC Film Award
$10,000 award from Creative BC and $15,000 in post-production services credit supplied by Company 3.
Best Canadian Short Film Award
$2,000 cash prize presented by VIFF and $5,000 equipment credit supplied by William F. White International Inc..