Jay's Vancouver

Lights, Camera, VIFF 2024! Vancouver’s Must-See Film Festival Is Here!

Jay Shah

Jay Shah
DevOps\Aerospace Engineer & Journalist

Hello cinema lovers and curious minds! 🎥 If you’ve been following my coverage of Vancouver’s bustling arts scene, you know this city is home to some incredible cultural events. From the breathtaking performances at Bard on the Beach to the magical melodies of Bach at Christ Church Cathedral, this city has been my canvas for exploring the vibrant worlds of theatre, music, and now—cinema. This time, we’re shifting gears to the silver screen, and I couldn’t be more excited to dive into :

Running from September 26 to October 6, 2024

the city will transform into a global hub for cinema lovers, filmmakers, and creatives of all kinds. Whether you’re a devoted film buff or someone just looking for a great night out, VIFF promises to deliver something for everyone. With an extraordinary selection of 140 feature films and 81 shorts from around the world, paired with immersive special events, Q&As, and live performances, this year’s festival will be an unforgettable experience. 🎬

Having covered the finest of Vancouver’s cultural scene, I can say that this festival always brings together a unique combination of international flair and local artistry that elevates the city’s creative landscape. This year is no exception—let me take you on a journey through everything you need to know about: the must-see films, hidden gems, and exciting events that await you.

Must-See Films at VIFF 2024: A Cinematic Feast

As we dive in, the sheer variety of films can be overwhelming—in the best possible way. From deeply personal documentaries to narrative masterpieces, this year’s festival promises to offer a bit of everything. If you’re a movie lover looking to make the most of your VIFF experience, here are some of the standout films I’ve picked you won’t want to miss.

1. Ari’s Theme Genre: Documentary | Directors: Jeff Lee Petry, Nathan Drillot

What better way to kick off VIFF 2024 than with a heartwarming documentary rooted in local talent? Ari’s Theme tells the moving story of BC composer Ari Kinarthy, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy, yet continues to create deeply impactful music.

Concerned with his own mortality, a composer with a rare
genetic condition, creates an aural and cinematic legacy of his
memories through music.

As a Vancouverite, I’ve often seen how this city fosters creative resilience, and this documentary brings that very essence to life. To make the screening even more special, members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will perform live alongside the film, immersing the audience in a symphony of emotion. 🎶

This film, which has received early praise for its poignant storytelling, offers a beautiful tribute to the power of art in the face of adversity. Ari’s ability to transcend his physical limitations through music will not only inspire you but also remind us of the indomitable human spirit—a theme that resonates deeply with Vancouver’s creative community.

2. EMILIA PEREZ Genre: Musical/Drama | Director: Jacques Audiard

As a fitting closing film for the festival, Emilia Pérez is set to leave a lasting impression. Directed by the renowned Jacques Audiard, who has already captivated audiences worldwide with his work, this musical drama weaves together themes of transformation and identity. With vibrant musical numbers and a captivating ensemble cast,it’s an exploration of self-discovery, a theme that speaks to audiences from all walks of life.

What really sets this film apart is its genre-defying nature. It’s the kind of film that invites you to both sing along and reflect, drawing you into a world where emotions are heightened and life feels almost theatrical. Having followed Audiard’s work over the years, I’m excited to see how this continues his legacy of creating visually stunning and emotionally complex films.

3. Eephus Genre: Drama | Director: Carson Lund

For those who appreciate stories of quiet yet powerful moments, Eephus offers a nostalgic dive into small-town America. As the local baseball field faces demolition, a group of locals gathers for one last game, but as you might expect, it’s about more than just the sport. Themes of loss, memory, and community lie at the heart of this film.

Having covered Vancouver’s rich tradition of community-based art, I find this film’s intimate portrayal of human connection deeply resonant. Like many of the city’s theatre and music festivals, Eephus takes something familiar—whether it’s baseball or a beloved community space—and elevates it into a profound exploration of human bonds.

4. The Heirloom Genre: Quarantine Comedy | Director: Ben Petrieto

The Heirloom taps into a time we all remember—the pandemic—and offers a comedic yet poignant take on the quarantine experience. As the story of a struggling filmmaker and his partner unfolds, it brings to life the emotional rollercoaster that many couples faced during the pandemic.

This quirky “quarantine comedy” finds humor in the struggles of lockdown life while maintaining a sense of authenticity that makes it more than just a funny film—it’s a time capsule of our collective experience. This one will definitely hit home for those who lived through the highs and lows of quarantine, and its relatability might just make it one of the surprise hits of the festival.

5. Grand Theft Hamlet Genre: Comedy/Drama | Directors: Pinny Grylls, Sam Crane

During the UK’s third lockdown in January 2021, two actors—Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen—found themselves cut off from live performances. Like so many in the arts world during the pandemic, their future felt uncertain. But, inspired by their shared experiences, they turned to the virtual world of GTA V to perform Shakespeare’s Hamlet, injecting the Bard’s timeless tragedy into the high-octane, often violent universe of this iconic game.

What happens when you merge Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy with a chaotic online world?

This isn’t your typical Shakespearean adaptation. It’s messy, unpredictable, and at times downright dangerous, with random players shooting at them mid-soliloquy! But this chaos embodies the same unruly energy Shakespeare himself likely encountered in the 1600s—chaotic, visceral, and interactive. It’s the kind of daring, genre-defying risk that’s often seen in Vancouver’s vibrant indie scene, where pushing artistic boundaries is the norm. 🎮🎭

Grand Theft Hamlet does exactly that, taking the iconic tale of Prince Hamlet and setting it in the virtual landscape of Grand Theft Auto V.

The film tracks their creative and often absurd journey, exploring how a virtual amphitheater built from avatars can stand in for a physical stage. Supported by Pinny Grylls, who documents the process, the result is a fusion of old and new, as they encounter not only the physical obstacles of the game’s environment but also emotional revelations about friendship, identity, and performance.

This will resonate not just with Shakespeare lovers but with those who appreciate innovative storytelling. Offering a rich exploration of how art and technology can merge to create something wholly unique. In a festival like VIFF, which often highlights cutting-edge narratives, this film feels like a perfect addition, tapping into the blend of virtual reality, traditional theatre, and human connection in a way that pushes both the actors and the audience into uncharted territory.

Honorable Mention: Pierce Genre: Suspense/Drama | Director: Nelicia Low

For those who love a gripping suspense story, Pierce offers a psychological drama that delves into family loyalty and justice. Centered around a teenage fencing enthusiast whose older brother claims to have been wrongly convicted of murder, this film explores the weight of family secrets and the blurred lines between truth and lies. With intense performances and a narrative that keeps you guessing, Pierce promises to be an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will leave you pondering long after the credits roll.

Director Nelicia Low, inspired by her own experiences growing up with an autistic brother, uses Pierce to explore how idealization within familial relationships can warp our perceptions of reality.

Low brings a deeply personal lens to the story, questioning whether truth, in the end, is more important than the feelings of love and loyalty that bind us.

The nuanced portrayal of the brothers’ relationship will leave you reflecting on the nature of family, identity, and the painful journey toward self-discovery.

This film stands out for its psychological depth, intricate character development, and thrilling suspense, making it an absolute must-see at VIFF 2024 for fans of thought-provoking dramas. Having covered similar emotionally intense and character-driven narratives in Vancouver’s indie film scene, Pierce resonates with the same raw energy I’ve witnessed in local productions like Game Project and A Surrealist Evening. This blend of personal storytelling with a suspenseful edge makes Pierce a standout in this year’s festival lineup.

Stay tuned for our next section where we’ll dive into the special events and immersive experiences that VIFF 2024 has to offer!

Special Events

As if an extraordinary lineup of films wasn’t enough, VIFF 2024 goes beyond traditional screenings with a range of special events designed to elevate your experience. This year’s VIFF Live series blends live performances, interactive workshops, and intimate conversations with world-renowned filmmakers, bringing audiences closer to the heart of cinema than ever before.

VIFF Live: Cinema Meets Music

This year’s VIFF Live series kicks off with an emotional and immersive experience that fuses live music with film. The opening night documentary Ari’s Theme will be accompanied by a live performance from eight members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. While the film tells the inspiring story of composer Ari Kinarthy, the live score will deepen the emotional impact and give the audience a fully sensory experience. 🎶

An Evening with A.R. Rahman

But that’s just the beginning! Music lovers will also be treated to a special evening with two-time Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman. Known for his unforgettable scores in films like Slumdog Millionaire and Bombay and my personal favourite Dil Se, which features the famous iconic track Chaiyya Chaiyya performed by the oh so King of Bollywood ShahRukh Khan on a moving train!

Rahman will not only share stories from his remarkable career but also perform live alongside the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at the Orpheum Theatre. Whether you’ve followed his work for years or are simply curious about the world of film scoring, this will be an evening you won’t want to miss.

Known for his extraordinary ability to merge the classical sounds of India with electronic music, world genres, and traditional orchestral arrangements, Rahman’s music has captivated global audiences across film industries, from Hollywood to Bollywood. This unique VIFF event will bring to life his legendary compositions in a way that has never been experienced before in Vancouver.


Rahman’s illustrious career has been marked by an incredible list of achievements. Rising to international fame with his Oscar-winning score for Slumdog Millionaire in 2008, Rahman is now a household name, known for his groundbreaking work in both Indian and international cinema. From Bombay to Jodhaa Akbar to 127 Hours, his music transcends borders, languages, and genres.
Rahman has composed over 160 soundtracks in multiple languages, winning accolades not only in India but globally. His innovative approach to blending Eastern and Western musical styles has made him one of the most influential composers in modern film history. His success is marked by two Academy Awards, two Grammys, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and countless other accolades. What’s more, his body of work spans a remarkable range of collaborations with legends like U2, Mick Jagger, Hans Zimmer, and Coldplay.

This marquee event of VIFF and highlight of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s season is part of an exciting new collaboration between the two organizations, celebrating the powerful connection between film and music. It’s a rare opportunity to experience Rahman’s music live, accompanied by orchestral arrangements that elevate the emotional depth of his compositions.

As a lover of Vancouver’s cultural scene, I can say this event will be an extraordinary celebration of art, music, and cinema. Be prepared for an evening filled with emotion, as Rahman’s music washes over you and carries you into the heart of his remarkable career.

VIFF Talks : Insights from the Industry’s Best

For those who want to go beyond the big screen, VIFF Talks offers a deep dive into the creative processes behind some of the world’s most compelling films. This series of panels and masterclasses invites directors, cinematographers, and other industry leaders to share their expertise.

Here are a few highlights from this year’s VIFF Talks:

  • Making It Epic with Production Designer Colin Gibson
    Colin Gibson, the Academy Award-winning production designer behind films like Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and The Adventures of Priscilla, will take audiences through a behind-the-scenes look at his career in a special VIFF 2024 conversation. Known for his unparalleled ability to create immersive and visually arresting worlds, Gibson’s work blends gritty realism with imaginative grandeur. From post-apocalyptic landscapes to vibrant, eccentric sets, his creations have become iconic in the world of cinema. This conversation will dive into his collaboration with visionary directors and his approach to bringing these extraordinary environments to life, making it a must-attend event for film lovers and creators alike.
  • Production Design in Elevated Genre Films: Methods to Madness, director Osgood Perkins takes the stage to discuss the dark creative processes behind his latest film, Longlegs, which has become an independent horror phenomenon in 2024. Known for crafting psychological thrillers that delve into madness, Perkins will share the intricate methods he used to bring this nightmare to life, including his knack for weaving together familiar horror tropes with fresh, unexpected twists. His collaboration with Nicolas Cage, alongside a talented cast and production team, resulted in Longlegs becoming NEON’s highest-grossing film, breaking new ground in independent cinema.Moderated by film writer and producer Kier-La Janisse, this talk will provide deep insights into Perkins’ thematic fascinations, his creative influences, and how he borrows from the horror canon to create uniquely disturbing stories. Fans of psychological horror will not want to miss this intimate look at the making of a modern-day classic and a sneak peek into Perkins’ upcoming projects, The Monkey and Keeper.

For aspiring filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts, these talks offer a unique opportunity to hear directly from some of the most creative minds in the industry. Whether you’re interested in storytelling, technical aspects, or creative direction.

Amp Music in Media Summit: The Power of Film Scores

Music is a vital part of the film industry, and the Amp Music in Media Summit is designed for those fascinated by the role music plays in shaping a film’s emotional landscape. This summit will bring together composers, music supervisors, and filmmakers to explore how soundtracks transform scenes and create unforgettable moments. 🎵

Panels will cover everything from scoring for emotional impact to the logistics of creating a cohesive soundtrack, with plenty of opportunities for networking and hands-on learning. If you’ve ever wondered how music can elevate a film, this summit is a must-attend.

Signals : Interactive Workshops and Immersive Experiences

And if you’re into cutting-edge technology, don’t miss the VIFF Immersive Experiences. Dive into the worlds of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) cinema, where storytelling meets innovation in ways you’ve never imagined. These give you the chance to explore the technical and creative elements that bring films to life.

Some of the highly anticipated exhibits include:

  • “k̓aʕntəm iʔ st̓xałq – prayer for huckleberry” by Tracey Kim Bonneau, an immersive experience where visitors can virtually pick huckleberries while learning the nsyilxcən language.
  • Yourself As Point Of Reflection by Trevor Twells, which explores identity, race, and transformation through an interactive video conversation with one’s own delayed reflection.
  • Protopica by Will Selviz and Manuel Sainsily, an EEG-driven interactive movie experience that navigates unique perceptions of “home” through brain wave visualizations.

Your VIFF 2024 Experience Awaits!

How to Make the Most of VIFF 2024

Get your passes early: Whether you’re planning to attend a single screening or want to immerse yourself in the full festival experience, VIFF offers a range of ticket options that cater to every kind of festival-goer. Head to the VIFF website and secure your passes now—don’t wait until the last minute!

Plan your festival route: With screenings and events spread out across multiple venues, from the prestigious Vancouver Playhouse to the iconic Rio Theatre, take some time to plan out which films and events you want to attend. Many films have limited screenings, so make sure to prioritize your must-see films and leave room for some unexpected discoveries.

Engage with the festival community: One of the most exciting aspects of VIFF is the sense of community that it fosters. Join post-film Q&As, mingle at industry events, or attend VIFF Live performances that take film beyond the screen. You’ll meet filmmakers, artists, and fellow cinema lovers who share your passion for storytelling.

Don’t Miss Out!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets and get ready to be swept away by the magic of cinema at VIFF 2024. Whether you’re there for the glitz and glam of opening night or the introspective deep dives into indie films, one thing’s for sure—this year’s festival is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of film, culture, and creativity.📽️

For tickets and more information, head over to the official VIFF website here. Keep following my blog for live updates, personal reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights as we explore the festival together. Let’s make VIFF 2024 an unforgettable experience! 🎉

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