Vancouver and British Columbia at large have always been a creative magnet for filmmakers, Jaysuits (I did help film some parts of TRON last year at Burrard…well and The Last of Us around Alexander Street..fun stuff).
Especially now, when places like California drive up costs with steep permits, fees and Europe slashing their tax breaks. Up here, we punch above weight, and our film festival should too.
So, it only makes sense that our very own film festival would shine just as brightly, perhaps even outshining some of the others that just wrapped up (yes, I’m looking at you, Toronto!).
This October, from the 2nd-12th, VIFF returns once again, transforming our city into a global stage, (no no the World Cups isn’t here yet folks), with the dazzling hum of stories waiting to be told.
While TiFF might get lost in their own hustle & bustle, with their star-studded red carpets; VIFF offers a more intimate, accessible experience; where the focus truly remains on the kino and the kinophile, all set against the breathtaking beauty of our city and the unique cultural pulse that only the PNW can provide.
We are talking about 172 features , 97 shorts, with a staggering 128 premieres spanning 70 countries and 69 languages; from global debuts, Cannes winners, to North American and Canadian first looks, all lighting up 10 venues across the city.
And for those of us who champion local talent, 38 Canadian features and 35 Canadian shorts, many from our own BC filmmakers; some of which I’ve broken down below for you peeps.
It’s especially exciting, with Vancouver filmmakers like Mayumi Yoshida (Akashi), Jennifer Chiu (Clan of the Painted Lady), Kent Donguines (Treasure of the Rice Terraces), Jenn Strom (The Painted Life of E.J. Hughes), and Bryce Hodgson (Thanks to the Hard Work of the Elephants) bringing their work to the big screen for the very first time
It’s a lot to parse through, but worry not, as always I’m here to help you step into a world where “every frame a painting” (for those who get it), every director & artist painting a vision that opens a new window to understanding the human spirit.
Below, I’ll let you in the must-see films, the multitude of engaging events beyond the screen, and all the tips you need to make your 2025 experience truly unforgettable..
My 2024 VIFF Coverage:
Spotlight on the Screen: Films You Can’t Miss!
To help you get started, I’m sharing some of the films that are already on my personal must-see list, along with a few other highlights that promise to make a lasting impression.
The Jaysuit Cheat -Sheet
The Secret Agent:Courtesy of Neon
For fans of classic 70s paranoid thrillers, this one is a must. Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho (Bacurau) and staring Wagner Moura (Escobar of Narco’s fame) , it follows a bureaucrat from Brazil’s military dictatorship who goes into hiding
Filled with nostalgic references and absurdist twists, this neo-noir film is described as epic in scope and rich in allegory. It even picked up Best Director and Best Actor at Cannes 2025, so expectations are high.
Orwell: 2+2=5:
Goodfellas/Jigsaw Prods./Velvet Film
From the brilliant mind of Oscar-nominated filmmaker Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro), this film delves into George Orwell’s final years as he penned his dystopian masterpiece, 1984.
A powerful and timely exploration of surveillance, and algorithmic governance, weaving together archival footage and contemporary media.
Given recent attempts by various western governments & agencies across the world (Looking at you Australia, UK and good’ol America) to break down privacy laws, not to mention the already draconin systems already set in places like China and India; this feels like an essential watch for our times.
Köln 75:
This film dramatizes the incredible true story behind the best-selling solo piano album of all time, Keith Jarrett’s “The Köln Concert.” It follows a young, 18-year-old German promoter who convinced Jarrett to perform, only to face a series of chaotic setbacks, including a damaged piano. It’s a rousing the sheer will to create art
against all odds.
A special VIFF Live concert and film screening, renowned Vancouver pianist Chris Gestrin will perform a solo set of Jarrett for the closing gala on Oct 11th
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery:
John Wilson/Netflix © 2025
A new Knives Out mystery is always a cause for celebration. Rian Johnson brings back the beloved detective Benoit Blanc for another star-studded whodunnit.
Featuring among many others; Daniel Craig, Mila Kunis, Andrew Scott (his Moriarty on Sherlock is still my favorite modern interpration of the character), and ofcourse the absolute legend that is…..Jeremy Renner, and who doesn’t love Jeremy Renner? Famously known from the Jeremy Renner app, ( google it Jaysuits…heh).
While details are still under wraps, much like the previous installments, we can expect a clever plot, sharp banter, and a whole lot of fun. This is pure cinematic enjoyment.
BC & Canadian Talent
Much like any other cosmoplitan metropolis, Vancouver is a mosaic of stories: immigrants, multigenerational families, youth searching for identity, neighbourhoods balancing tradition & change and VIFF always does a fantastic job of showcasing our homegrown storytellers. This year is no exception.
Here are a few local and Canadian films that have caught my eye:
Akashi (World Premiere):
Sunday October 05
© 2025 Musubi Arts Inc.
This beautiful film, from Vancouver-based writer, director, and actor Mayumi Yoshida, offers a poignant exploration of identity and belonging.
Akashi follows struggling visual artist Kana Yamamoto, who, ten years after moving to Vancouver, returns to Tokyo for her beloved grandmother’s funeral. Back in Japan, she rekindles a tentative connection with her ex-boyfriend, Hiro, who vanished a decade prior.
As Kana uncovers a family secret, she re-evaluates everything she thought she knew about love and her place in the world.
The film’s largely black-and-white cinematography promises to evoke the solemnity of Kana’s grief, with select scenes bursting into vivid color, mirroring her journey of discovery.
Themes of class struggle and artistic aspiration also promise to intertwine as the narrative shifts between past and present, exploring contrasting tales of star-crossed romance.
It’s a deeply personal story that starts right here in our city; speaking to many of us Vancouverites who straddle two worlds, shaped equally by what’s here and what’s been left behind.
6:00 pm
Vancouver Playhouse
Book now! Limited availability
Thursday October 09
3:00 pm
Granville Island Stage
Thanks to the Hard Work of the Elephants (World Premiere):
Saturday October 04
This kino tackles the multi-billion-dollar “troubled teen” industry with what sounds like a raw and chaotic energy. Following two teenage boys who escape a youth treatment center, promising an unsettling and delirious look at a world of paranoia and institutional abuse.
While the film’s narrative focuses on the broader issue of youth treatment centers, its themes of escape and the desperate search for comfort resonate particularly strongly in this city of ours, which grapples with its own complex challenges related to drug abuse and mental health support for its youth.
The film’s exploration of these difficult realities offers a powerful, albeit unsettling, reflection on societal issues that touch many communities, including our own. It sounds like a powerful and challenging watch, prompting important conversations.
8:45 pm
SFU Woodwards
Book Now
Sunday October 05
1:00 pm
International Village 7
Foreigner:
Monday October 06
Vancouver-based artist Ava Maria Safai’s debut feature is a humorous coming-of-age horror story that reimagines the immigrant high school experience.
Set in 2004, the film introduces Yasamin (Rose Deghan), an Iranian teenager who has recently immigrated to Canada with her family. Desperate to fit in, she practices her English by studying sitcoms and manages to befriend three popular girls at school. When these “mean girls” convince Yasamin she needs to dye her hair blonde to be accepted, she takes their advice, but gets far more than she bargained for when her new hair color awakens a demon lurking inside her.
This film promises to be a charming and entertaining thrill ride, a vengeful power fantasy that should prove satisfying for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or been told to “go back to where you came from.” With themes like internal conflicts of assimilation and the search for identity in a new land, a narrative many of us Vancouverites can relate to.
6:00 pm
The Rio Theatre
Book Now
Saturday October 11
7:00 pm
International Village 10
So Jaysuits, I urge you to explore this cinematic space before anything else.
Whether it’s mental health services, systemic inequities, cultural identity, belonging, or what it costs to be an artist, seeing them on screen opens dialogue and uplifts emerging local voices (especially those underrepresented) with mentorship, industry connections, and visibility.
This is, of course, is just a small taste of the cinematic feast VIFF has prepared.
The Cinematic Compass: Navigating the Festival Program
With so many incredible films and events, they’ve thoughtfully curated the lineup into two distinct sections, making it easier to find exactly what sparks your interest.
I encourage you to explore the full program and find the stories that speak to you.
First up, we have
Series
These are the core programming strands, each offering a unique lens through which to experience the world of film:
Galas & Special Presentations:
These are the year’s most highly anticipated films, often generating buzz from other major festivals and featuring acclaimed directors and stars. They are your chance to catch the cinematic events everyone will be talking about. This year, the festival opens with Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague, a rousing dramatization of the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless. For the closing night, prepare for Ido Fluk’s Köln 75, the incredible true story behind Keith Jarrett’s legendary concert.
Showcase:
A carefully selected collection of exceptional cinema. Here, you will discover critically acclaimed works that offer profound storytelling and artistic innovation. This is where you find those hidden gems that resonate long after the credits roll. As I mentioned earlier, keep an eye out for Raoul Peck’s Orwell: 2+2=5, a timely exploration of truth and surveillance, and Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia, both promising deep cinematic experiences.
Panorama:
An array of remarkable narrative films from every corner of the globe. This section is a vibrant celebration of international filmmaking, offering a window into diverse cultures, societal issues, and universal human experiences. It is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your cinematic horizons and see the world through different eyes. Films like Last Night in Taipei (World Premiere) and Human Resource from Thailand offer unique narrative journeys.
Vanguard:
Showcasing rising international talents bringing their singular visions to the screen. The Bora from Iran and Dance of the Living from Spain/Colombia are exciting examples of cutting-edge cinema.
Northern Lights:
Presented by Telefilm Canada, this series is dedicated to the next wave of Canadian and Indigenous storytellers. This is where you will witness the incredible talent emerging from our country, with films that reflect unique Canadian voices, landscapes, and narratives. Look for Mayumi Yoshida’s Akashi and Bryce Hodgson’s Thanks to the Hard Work of the Elephants, both BC Features having their World Premieres.
Insights:
Documentaries that change the way we see the world. These films delve deep into pressing issues, offering new perspectives and fostering understanding. Laura Poitras’s Cover-Up and Everest Dark, a BC Feature, are powerful examples.
Spectrum:
A collection of innovative nonfiction filmmaking that pushes the boundaries of the documentary form. Expect creative approaches to real-world stories, such as Canada’s Agatha’s Almanac.
Portraits:
A kaleidoscope of groundbreaking artists, great performances, and cultural icons. This series celebrates individuals who have left an indelible mark on their fields.
Altered States:
This is where the wild ones come out to play, promising unique and experimental cinema that challenges conventions and sparks conversation.
Leading Lights: A celebrated Canadian filmmaker curates a selection of international films that influenced their artistic journey. This year, Matthew Rankin shares his inspirations, including works by Chantal Akerman and Aki Kaurismäki.
Focus: Edges of Belonging:
A guest programmer embarks on a thematic exploration using cinema as their guide. This year’s focus, “Tales of Grit and Grace from India,” features compelling stories like Bad Girl and Hidden Tremors.
Reflections:
Presenting past work from some of world cinema’s most celebrated practitioners, offering a chance to revisit or discover influential films.
VIFF Short Forum and MODES:
These sections elevate short-form storytelling from around the world, exploring how far the form of cinema is capable of bending and showcasing innovative approaches to narrative.
Then there is
Spotlight
This selection offers focused explorations into specific regions, themes, and communities, providing deeper dives into particular cinematic landscapes, with this year’s focus being on Korea:
BC Spotlight:
The latest feature films from our province’s best and brightest creators will leave audiences thrilled by our homegrown talent. This is a celebration of local filmmaking excellence.
Cinemas of Asia:
Journey into the cinematic reaches of Asia with some of the world’s most compelling storytellers as your guide, offering a rich tapestry of narratives from across the continent.
Indigenous Cinema:
A selection of work by Indigenous filmmakers reflecting a diversity of genres employed and experiences conveyed, providing vital perspectives and powerful storytelling.
Spotlight on Korea:
Deepening the long tradition of Korean cinema, this section welcomes emerging directors and features new works by VIFF mainstays like Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice and Hong Sangsoo’s What Does That Nature Say to You.
Beyond the Big Screen: Events, Talks, and Experiences
While the films are undoubtedly the heart & soul of this festival, at large this is an event designed to deepen your appreciation for cinema and engage with the broader artistic community.
For Jaysuits eager to delve deeper into the craft and business of filmmaking, VIFF Talks bring together industry leaders and top international creatives. These sessions offer invaluable insights into some of today’s most popular and acclaimed films and series. A fantastic opportunity to hear directly from the minds behind the magic, understanding their processes, challenges, and inspirations.
One of the most exciting offerings is VIFF Live. Pushing the boundaries of traditional film festival programming by intersecting cinema culture with unique live shows that only Vancouver can offfer.
This year’s five shows span dub, gothic horror scores, XR projections, and improvised jazz.
Legendary dub producer Mad Professor reimagines Massive Attack, or avant-garde composers turning a Slovakian animated horror into a haunting live score. Then there’s Julianna Barwick and Vancouver’s own loscil crafting ethereal sound worlds, Cree astronomer Wilfred Buck sharing star stories under the Space Centre dome, and pianist Chris Gestrin improvising to the story of Keith Jarrett’s iconic concert. Creativity you won’t find anywhere else.
The Artist & Industry program embraces the powerful theme “Create. Connect. Transform.” This initiative opens doors to lasting collaborations and celebrates cinema as a collective art form, enriched by cultural diversity and shared vision. As part of this, the VIFF Industry will explore opportunities for co-productions, particularly between Canada and Korea, and highlight bold new approaches to documentary and animation filmmaking.
Music lovers will also rejoice with the return of VIFF Amp. This program examines the essential role of music in film and expands its focus into animation and video games. A crucial platform for fostering new talent and strengthening connections between composers and directors, reminding us how integral sound is to the cinematic experience. As Spielberg once said, “Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes,”.
For those interested in the cutting edge of technology and its intersection with storytelling, the Signals Creative Tech Expo is a must-visit. Co-presented by VIFF and DigiBC, this expo explores our connection to land, history, and human rights, while confronting issues from authoritarianism to AI ethics. It is a forward-thinking space that shows how cinema continues to evolve and engage with contemporary challenges.
These events collectively ensure a comprehensive cultural experience, extending far beyond the silver screen and inviting you to engage with cinema in myriad exciting ways.
Getting Your Tickets
Fortunately or unfortunately us Vancouverites are trained & accustomed to waiting in lines; be it in our Translink commute or exploring those random new, dime a dozen Hot-pot & Buuble-Tea restaurants that seemed to magically pop up on a weekly basis (I still don’t get why we line up for brunch...).
So i need not remind you, timing is everything, especially when it comes to securing your spots for these highly anticipated screenings
Tickets are currently on sale for VIFF+ Members at viff.org. If you are not yet a member, consider joining to get early access and discounts!
Also, a fantastic perk: VIFF+ Members enjoy discounts on all VIFF tickets, and there is a free U25 membership that provides further discounts for youth between 19 and 25 years of age. This makes the festival accessible for younger kinophiles.
Single tickets for regular screenings and Special Presentations are priced at just $21. For those planning a deeper dive into the festival, ticket packs are available in convenient six and 10-packs, offering a great way to save a little while seeing more films.
Jaysuits, let’s come together, celebrate our storytellers, and make sure Vancouver continues to shine as a hub of creativity
Speaking of which, stay tuned as i’ll be covering the Small File Media Festival once again, as I did last year…ooh boy Octobers’ gonna be fun Kinophiles!
© VIFF 2025